June 1 - 2 Corinthians 5
That is, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them. 2 Corinthians 5:19a (NKJV)

 

The Great Exchange

I love the picture painted in 2 Corinthians 5:19 of God actively and eagerly reconciling people to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them.

 

The words reconciling and imputing suggest ongoing action. I particularly appreciate that, because no matter how hard I try to avoid them, I have ongoing sins. And my need for a Savior is desperate and ongoing. To know that He delights in meeting that need, even repeatedly, gives me great hope.

 

The word reconciliation in Strong’s Concordance is translated “exchange.”When God brings reconciliation, He exchanges our sin for His righteousness. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

 

I wonder, then, if God doesn’t meet our neediness as wives, husbands, friends, parents, and employees with anticipation of a reconciliation and exchange? And, if we are delighting in reconciliation with God, how much more natural it will be to invite those who don’t know Him to be reconciled as well.

—Jean Taylor

 

“Therefore, if anyone is IN CHRIST, He is a new creation;
old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
2 Corinthians 5:17

 

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June 2 - 2 Corinthians 6

We serve God… 2 Corinthians 6:8a (NLT)

 

We Serve God
There is so much in this chapter that it seems like robbery to focus on these three words, we serve God, but they may be what we need to hear today. 

 

I serve God—but sometimes I forget; not really, but kind of. Try this, it worked for me. Say the words I serve God out loud right now. It feels good, doesn’t it? Paul mentions a few of the things that he has gone through: “whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors. We are well known, but we are treated as unknown. We live close to death, but here we are, still alive. We have been beaten within an inch of our lives. Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything” (vs 8-10).

 

The words that lead to this list of trials are: We serve God. Today you will face your own unique set of trials, where your life lived in service to God will cost you. This is exactly why it is so important to remember that it isn’t about us. That is one of the reasons why we first gave our lives to Christ, because we wanted to live for something bigger than ourselves. We serve God means that today we have a purpose that is bigger than us and all of our problems. We serve God, and it has cost us everything; and in return we have found a life worth living. Welcome to your part in the HUGE story that is all about God, and thankfully not just about us.

—Dan Fitzgerald

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June 3 - Psalms 25-26
My God, in Thee I trust, let me not be ashamed…yes, none who wait for Thee shall be ashamed, those shall be ashamed who are vainly disloyal... Keep my soul, and deliver me, let me not be ashamed, for I trust in Thee. Psalm 25:2-3, 20 (MLB)

In Thee I Trust
Trusting the Lord is an active pursuit requiring day-by-day, hour-by-hour, often moment-by-moment consecration. Trust is the giving over to the Lord those things that trouble and perplex us, those things that seem to not yet have an answer, things awaiting the timing of the Lord’s foreseen wisdom.

 

Like the psalmist, we declare our trust in the Lord and in the same breath implore His assistance to not do it in vain. Trust becomes disloyal when it’s only given lip service. We must cry out, “O Lord, let me not be ashamed by so quickly taking back to myself the very things I have just entrusted to You!” There is no shame in continual consecration. As often as our souls remind us we have taken back an issue, let us quickly return it to Him and trust in Him again. The Lord welcomes our repeated trust.

 

We do not throw trust at Him, expecting it to bounce off. To do so is vainly disloyal and something of which we shall be ashamed; but to consecrate again and again is how we come to trust in the Lord. There is certainly no shame in that!

—Eunice Carlson

 

May it not be in vain, the imprint on our American coinage and currency,
but may it be our personal recommitment,
“In God We Trust.”

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June 4 - Psalms 27-28
I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long.
I’ll contemplate his beauty; I’ll study at his feet. That’s the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world, the perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic. Psalm 27:4-5 (Message Bible)

Don’t Forget to Remember
The alarm goes off…hit snooze…7 minutes later… beep, beep, beep…get up…wake the kids… shower…get dressed…find some clean socks…oops, never finished putting that load of laundry away…one of the kids can’t find their homework… troubleshoot…kiss spouse and send off for the day…grab & go breakfast…get to work…take a deep breath and start your work day.

It’s amazing how much activity can be packed into the first hour of your day. In the midst of these circumstances, don’t forget to remember to ask God for one thing, only one thing: to live with Him in His house your whole life long. Take time daily to contemplate His beauty and study at His feet because it’s the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world. It’s the perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic.

 

Whether you spend time alone with Him or make an instant choice to dwell in His presence as you shift into life-mode, live in that quiet, secure place and…don’t forget to remember.

 

—Andrea Simanson

 Live each moment for Him and with Him.

 

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June 5 - 2 Corinthians 7
For God sometimes uses sorrow in our lives to help us turn away from sin and seek eternal life. We should never regret his sending it. 2 Corinthians 7:10 (Living Bible)

A Father’s Tough Love
In this passage Paul is describing his fatherly love by confronting his people in Corinth. It was painful for Paul and the Corinthians, but the pain led them to repentance and back to Jesus.

 

Our Father in heaven may at times need to bring a tough love into our lives. Jesus doesn’t enjoy bringing sorrow into our lives, but knows at times it is what we need to draw us back to Him. It is hard for us to see any good while we are in the midst of the sorrow and wondering if we can make it through. Yet, Hebrews 13:5 says “God will never leave us or forsake us.” We can count on God’s promise in the midst of our hard times. Jesus is always with us and there to help us no matter what is going on in our lives.

 

As we receive this tough love with gratefulness and a soft heart to change, may those who minister to us speak of us as Titus speaks of the Corinthians: “He loves you more than ever when he remembers the way you listened to him so willingly and received him so anxiously with such deep concern” (vs 15).

—Jim Boyer

 “And we know that all things work together for good
to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

 

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June 6 - 2 Corinthians 8
...you are well to the fore in every good quality − you have faith, you can express that faith in words; you have knowledge, enthusiasm, and your love for us. 2 Corinthians 8:7 (Phillips)

Encouragement

The Apostle Paul didn’t have the advantage of email or instant messaging, but he sure was effective at communicating with his friends. Though I doubt he planned on having all of us peek over his shoulder, I am so glad we get to see his heart unfolding through his letters.

 

In this letter, it is clear that Paul has long-standing relationship with the Corinthian Christians. He asks them for help with his latest project, and also draws out the good he sees in their hearts. It seems he understands the value of encouragement. He knows this is important not only to novices, but also to those who have been in the faith a while. As I read Paul’s description of his friends, I think of friends of mine who have walked with Christ for years. Some own their own businesses; others faithfully serve employers day after day. Some are raising families. Others in their empty nest years share richly of themselves through involvement in Christian community.

 

Spiritual maturing differs from physical maturing in one key way: it is not a natural byproduct of the passage of time. Spiritual growth takes staying in there with Christ. It takes staying in there with His Word and with His gift of freedom. To those of us who have traveled already a ways down this road of faith, let’s remember to call out words of encouragement to each other whenever we can.

—Pastor Tracy Weaver

 

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June 7 - 2 Corinthians 9
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also…increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11a (NIV)

Share God’s Blessings Through Giving
Giving is the theme of 2 Corinthians 9. It is a common idea for both Christians and non-Christians. For non-Christians, giving can be done as a good deed, out of kindness, compassion, convenience, or for selfish gain. It tends to be optional, and can be occasional or often.

 

For Christians, giving is not optional! It is a command from God, to be done sincerely. The purpose of giving is to honor God by helping those in need, and to support God’s purposes. We can trust the Lord to fill our needs as we share the blessings He’s given us.

 

It is easiest to give only what we are comfortable giving, when it’s convenient. However, giving up what we hold dear, to honor God and meet a need, is giving that is truly worthy of Jesus’ name. At times, we can focus on meeting our needs, missing an opportunity to trust Him as we share what He gives us with others.

 

“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food,” means that He is more than able to satisfy our needs. He is Jehovah Jireh—God, our Provider—who never fails! The promise in verse 11, “you will be made rich in every way” is an encouragement that we will lack nothing we need as we trust Him with our giving.

 

There are things we cling to and find hard to share or to give up—time, talents, possessions, finances, or __________. God gives us blessings to enjoy and to share. Let’s trust Him with our needs and give generously!

—Ike Egwuatu

 

 “Freely you have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:8

 

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June 8 - 2 Corinthians 10
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NKJV)

Powerful Thinking
Overlooking ancient Corinth was a hill 1,857 feet high and on top of that was a fortress. Paul used that imagery as an illustration of spiritual warfare. We have the POWER in God through prayer to pull down such strongholds. The weapons we possess are more POWERful than any Atom Bomb, for we have the whole arsenal of the heavenlies at our disposal if we will but use it.

 

This verse goes on to describe that one area to use this POWER in is our thought life. We are to cast down wrong thoughts and everything that exalts itself greater than God in our lives. We are not to run wild with our imaginations and thoughts, but to use them under the obedience and lordship of Christ for His Glory!!!!

 

Sometimes I will actually throw my hands down as I have a thought enter my mind that I know is not from God.  By doing this I am taking a physical action that demonstrates what I am doing in the spiritual. I am not going to let the devil get the upper hand. I realize through spiritual warfare, I am to destroy the kingdom of Satan and propagate the Kingdom of God.

 

—Pastor Phil Vance

Do you have any thoughts that are plaguing you— thoughts of unbelief, sin, fear, anxiety?
Cast them down (literally and spiritually), and let the POWER of a mind

submitted to the obedience of Christ be yours.

 

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June 9 - 2 Corinthians 11
If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity. 2 Corinthians 11:30 (NKJV)

Making an Ostentatious Display!
The world record for the fastest 100 meter dash is 9.77 seconds. The fastest 1 mile pace is 3 minutes and 43 seconds. The longest triple jump is currently 50 feet and 4.72 inches. The high jump record is over 8 feet. The heaviest “dead weight” lifted by a human being is over 500 pounds. Certainly, those world records would be something to boast about—ostentatious feats for mankind. But we don’t even need to break a world record to boast. Everyone has something they are good at, something they feel has significant value.

 

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines boast as “to brag, to make an ostentatious display of one’s worth, property, or actions.”

 

So what was Paul thinking in 2 Corinthians 11:30, when he said if he was inclined to brag at all it would be in his feebleness, frailty, weakness, and lack of strength? In today’s culture, these characteristics are what we try to hide or deny away. Paul encourages us that they are actually the attributes we should focus on. Why? Because, our weakness moves the hand of God. Our frailty opens the way for deep intimacy with Him. Our feebleness invites Him to be our everything. We exchange our imperfection for God’s perfect strength, perfect wisdom, perfect endurance, perfect patience. Whatever we need today can be found in our PERFECT Father God. And He is just waiting for us to boast in Him.

—Lynn Little

 

Father, today please help me glory in my weakness
as I receive the tangible expression of Your strength.

 

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June 10 - Psalms 29-30
The voice of the Lord echoes above the sea… splits the mighty cedars…strikes with lightning bolts… makes the desert quake…twists mighty oaks and strips the forests bare.

Excerpts from Psalm 29:3-9 (NLT)

Daddy’s Voice
The voice of the Lord…doesn’t sound like something you’d want to mess around with, does it? This Psalm actually makes it sound a bit scary. One version says that the voice of the Lord even causes deer to give birth. Why? Because it frightens them so badly!

 

Yikes! How do you reconcile this description of God’s voice with the picture of a loving, comforting Father that is painted for us elsewhere in the Bible? In pondering this question, I think of what a good father is really like.

 

A good daddy knows when to stand strong and firm in order to protect his family. And at the same time, a good daddy knows how to be gentle and soft spoken. Regardless of circumstances, above all, a good daddy’s actions are continuously saturated in love. What a perfect description of our Father God!

 

Sometimes God speaks to us with a voice of conviction, striking at sin in our lives with a lightning bolt! He strips our soul bare, leaving us in the vulnerable humility that is necessary for spiritual growth. It doesn’t always feel good, to be sure. But then He comes in, as in verse 11, and gives us strength and blesses us with peace. And that’s when we can remember that He chastens those whom He loves. We can gladly reflect on the love in our Daddy’s voice.

—Audrey Rogers

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June 11 - Psalms 31-32
But I am trusting you, O LORD, saying,“You are my God!” My future is in Your hands.
Psalm 31:14-15a (NLT)

Oh Me, Oh My…
Have you ever been in distress like David in Psalm 31? Gosh, I know I have. What is your first reaction? Mine is usually to go “vent,” to find sympathy from someone, or to get other people to feel sorry for me. You know what though? That never ministers to my soul and it doesn’t give me peace. Sometimes it just creates more questions or causes more confusion.

However, when I go to Jesus and pour out my feelings and my emotions, He ministers to my soul. He gives me peace, He calms the storm in me, and He gives me answers. That is when He is my Rock, my solid ground.

 

So, what usually is my last response needs to become my first. Then, instead of pulling others down with me, I can say like David, “I am overcome with joy because of your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul” (Psalm 31:7). WOW! David was overcome with joy and it doesn’t even say that his problems went away. It just says that he was filled with joy because of God’s unfailing love, and that He cared about the anguish of David’s soul. 

 

Let’s remember when we are in the “oh me, oh my” stages, what David said in verse 23a, “Love the Lord (that’s a command), all you faithful ones (that’s us!!!)! For the Lord protects (He is doing that NOW – it’s in the present tense) those who are loyal to Him…” 

—Katherine Davis

 Let’s run to Him in our distress and let Him be our Rock!!

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June 12 - 2 Corinthians 12
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness”…Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake.
For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9a, 10 (NKJV)

Our Strength in Time of Need
I am feeling very weak today, so I know that God has grace for me right now. Parenting sometimes is very hard, and right now, it is hard for me. My children are leaving the nest and it is not easy for me. The other day I said good-bye to one of my daughters. For 26 years, I have had the privilege of holding, watching, praying, encouraging, confronting, rebuking, and—most of all— loving this daughter. Now she is leaving me. She is going for the right reasons. She is doing the right thing. But, she is leaving me.

This is what I have been training her for, to leave and be independent of me—to build a family, to create a home with her wonderful husband. Why is it so hard? We do this with all our children, and it hurts each time.

 

When I stop and pray about what I am feeling, I know it will be okay. God has raised lots of children. He understands what I am experiencing, and I can take joy in the privilege it has been to play such a vital part in their lives. Yes, it is hard; but as verse 10 says, “When I am weak, then I am strong.” His grace is sufficient, and I can rejoice in what God is doing in my family. I can rejoice in what God is doing in me. In all things, I can rejoice!

—Beezie Davis

 Jesus, thank you for Your grace and strength when we, as parents,
are painfully aware of our neediness.
You are watching over our children, hedging them about
in Your protective care. Amen.

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June 13 - 2 Corinthians 13
Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is among you, it means you have failed the test. 2 Corinthians 13:5 (NLT)

I Get to Take Another Test Today!! Yahoo!!

Just as Paul encouraged the Corinthians, so we also need to take his admonition. Examine yourself daily. How are you doing? Is Jesus Christ alive in you? Do you feel His love and acceptance? Are you walking in His power? Does His love flow out through you? Do you have compassion and care for those around you? These are some tough questions, but at the same time, they present an awesome opportunity to grow.

The worst thing we can do is assume we are all put together. Some of us see ourselves as failures, and don’t recognize the good things that God has done in and through us. Others of us always see ourselves through rose-colored glasses and fail to see the real picture of where we are. God is calling us to examine ourselves, to ask the tough questions. Look forward to growing as shortcomings are exposed and strengths are encouraged.

 

In Psalm 139:23, the psalmist cries out “Search me, oh God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”

 

Oh, let this verse be a daily part of our lives. Because we want to be more like Jesus, let’s take the daily tests. 

 

—John Dieker

 Through the crucible of life, through testing and trials,
we are made more and more into the image of Jesus Christ.

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June 14 - Galatians 1
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ who gave Himself for our sins, to rescue us out of this present evil world in agreement with the will of God our Father.
Galatians 1:3-4 (MLB)

In Agreement With…
There are powerful affirmations to make constantly as we speak the language of the scripture. Don Gossett, in The Power of Spoken Faith, writes an affirmation that brings us into agreement with God’s rescue of us.
              God is who He says He is.
              I am who God says I am.

              God can do what He says He can do.
              I can do what God says I can do.

              God has what He says He has.
              I have what God says I have.

 

In the few short days since I was given a copy of Gossett’s book, this affirmation has become a focal point of my agreement with the Word of God. It has removed the ifs and buts from my thinking and is helping me put on the mind of Christ. 

 

Christianity is called “the Great Confession.” All things in Christ—salvation, healing, and deliverance—are dependent upon our confessing the lordship of Jesus with our lips.

—Eunice Carlson 

 

Let the words of our mouth and the meditation of our heart
be in agreement with You, Heavenly Father. Amen.

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June 15 - Galatians 2
I have been crucified with Christ. I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me.

Galatians 2:19b-20a (NLT)

 

Grace Taught My Heart to Sing
I love it when the Spirit of God sings inside of me. For the older generation, it’s like a jukebox; for those who are younger, it’s like having a continuously playing Ipod or MP3 player that I hear singing inside my spirit. Many times in my walk with Jesus, I hear Him singing and these are songs that make me smile. He seems to break through my daily routine to show me more of His grace, mostly when I think I gotta try and deserve it.

 

I also love God’s gift of repentance…yes, His GIFT of repentance. Sometimes we forget that it’s a GIFT. I easily go about life in my own strength, thinking I need to work my way into His presence or overcome some guilt complex to feel closer to God. I remember one of those times, when God broke through and opened my understanding by His Spirit to my “stinkin thinkin.” I got to repent. Immediately, I was reminded that repentance is truly a gift. In fact, I started to laugh out loud because God GRACED me. My heart erupted with joy and thankfulness for His grace and for His free-flowing gift of repentance.

 

What a bold statement by Paul, “I have been crucified with Christ. I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” Paul stands fast in the grace of God. Per the chronological history of New Testament writings, Galatians is known to have been written first, even before the Gospels were actually penned. Paul saw the church already forgetting God’s grace and gracious gifts. Like Paul, let us all stand fast in the grace of God, letting His grace teach our hearts to sing!

—Jesse Maier

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June 16 - Galatians 3
The person who lives in right relationship with God does it by embracing what God arranges for him. Doing things for God is the opposite of entering into what God does for you.

Galatians 3:11-12 (Message Bible)

The Way of Surrender
Most of us live a life full of doing things for God—teaching Sunday School, leading a share group, working on a service crew. These good works are evidence of our commitment to Him and the furthering of His Kingdom.

 

But a life filled with works only leads to frustration, anger, and disappointment. God wants more. He wants relationship. And sometimes that includes trials and challenges, for our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us. In every circumstance, He is drawing us closer to Him.

 

I know an older man who is angry at God. He served God faithfully for years and now is in failing health. His mindset is, “I’ve done all of this for you, God, and look at my reward.” This man, like many of us, has failed to enter into what God arranged for him.

 

To embrace what God has arranged for us is to ask ourselves, “What am I to learn in the midst of this trial?” Too often we ask, “What did I do to deserve this?” The difference between the two is surrender—something that we do not easily do.

 

One of God’s purposes in trials is to refine our character. Refining comes only by going through the fire. We resist it. We don’t like it, and struggle in the heat. But the end result will be a thing of beauty if we will resist the urge to flee, and instead allow Him to complete the good work He has begun in us.

—Jan Chase

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June 17 - Psalms 33-34
I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of His glories and grace.
I will boast of all His kindness to me. Psalm 34:1-2a (Living Bible)

Truth or Circumstances
Authorship of Psalm 34 is attributed to King David and is said to be written as he was fleeing from King Saul and had to feign insanity before King Achish (1 Samuel 21:13).

 

The very first thing David declares in Psalm 34 is that he is going to praise the Lord, no matter what! The New Bible Commentary explains that David has reached the point of spiritual certainty where he feels able to say that his praise of God is independent and irrespective of circumstances. How can David do this?! My goodness! He just had to drool before a king!

 

I believe the answer lies in the verses surrounding verse 1. David is FILLED with right thinking. He makes declaration after declaration about the truth of God. These psalms are overflowing with hope, promise, and love.

 

In the face of confusion, persecution, and fear, David makes the choice to think about the faithfulness and goodness of God. In the face of life’s circumstances, we too can make the conscious choice to rehearse the truth (say it out loud if needed). Truth shines a light on the dark shadows of our life’s circumstances and we’re left standing in the sun/Son.

 

—Lily Sherman

 

 “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen:
not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”
—C.S. Lewis, “Is Theology Poetry?”

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June 18 - Psalms 35-36
Let me hear you say, “I am your salvation!” Psalm 35:3b (NLT)

Make Your Daddy Happy! Hear His Voice Today.
There is great merit in positive confession, in reckoning, in speaking God’s Word to ourselves. But there are times when our souls absolutely require a direct word from our Father God’s mouth. “Let me hear you say it, Lord! Tell me directly!”

 

Oh, the precious value of hearing in our own hearts: “I am your Jesus, your salvation. I am right here with you.” Our Shepherd’s voice comforts us and gives confidence, even in the times of the worst turmoil.

Sometimes I have risen in the night, too disturbed by concerns to sleep. At such times, my heart has cried out for basically the same thing as David’s: “Lord, let me hear you say, ‘I am your salvation!’” I need to hear it from His lips myself, for when God speaks to my heart it seals something in me; it becomes something permanent―“the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

Our Savior Jesus has brought us into the closest family relationship with the Father. What better Father’s Day present can we give Him than to let Him know that our lives hinge upon relating with, hearing, and pleasing Him?

 

—Nancy Grunewald

 

His very name, Jesus, means “salvation.” When we reach out
in faith and speak it, and hear it with our own ears, demons flee,
and angels marvel at our position and privilege.

 

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June 19 - Galatians 4
Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.” Galatians 4:30 (NKJV)

 

Keeping Peace in the Home
What a pickle Abraham found himself in. “Cast her out, Abraham!” Sarah said (Genesis 21:10). “We can’t live like this anymore!” Ah, the complication of mixing works and grace.

 

Why do we do it? When we know the two “women” don’t get along! Grace will not be preferred for Works and tells us to rise up and cast the undeserving woman out of the house.

 

Just like Abraham, we at times bring a second wife into the situation by human effort. We could have been smarter by being faithful to the one God gave to us: Grace. She treats us much better. She may be a little mysterious but she’s faithful. She even teaches us how to have a better relationship with God and others. But sometimes we forget all her benefits and go dragging that miserly maid called Works into the house.

 

Lady Grace keeps us to a higher standard, Lord bless her heart, and sometimes she makes us wait on God. But the fruit of her womb is what God has blessed.

 

So take a stand like Abraham had to: tell Works to get out of the house. You can only be successfully married to one. There’s only one wife and the other is a servant. It will spare you the headache and keep peace in the home.

—Demetrius Rogers

 

“For by grace you have been saved through faith,
and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works,
lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

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June 20 - Galatians 5

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Galatians 5:13-14 (KJV)

 

By Love, Serve
Love. It seems like such a beautiful word full of warmth and romance, wistfulness and passion. Why would the Bible follow it by such an earthy word like serve?

 

In Galatians 5:13, the scripture says, “by love serve one another.” One another is an incredibly elusive term. Many times it is safest to think that one another is anyone you have never seen before, anyone you do not know, and anyone who lives half way around the world. I do believe that in God’s eyes one another is more than likely that friend, spouse, child, or co-worker who, right after you get all settled down in a big comfy chair balancing a warm plate of food on your lap and holding a fork in one hand and a glass of milk in the other, asks you if you could please get them the salt and pepper.

 

Yep. There you have it! The one another just may be anyone in our lives who needs a little serving when we absolutely feel the most inconvenienced to help out. It is so easy to serve when we want to, but it takes LOVE to serve when we don’t want to. We have been called unto liberty to serve. As we fulfill this powerful calling, we truly love our neighbors as ourselves. Keep your heart and spirit ready as God brings that one another into your path today.  

—Pastor Kari Vance

 

 “Love ever gives. Forgives, outlives, And ever stands With open hands.
And while it lives, It gives, For this is love’s prerogative
— To give, and give, and give.” —Oxenham

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June 21 - Galatians 6
Dear brothers and sisters, if another Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Galatians 6:1 (NLT)

Humbly and Gently Restore
I have been on all sides of this verse. I am not proud to admit that I have been the person overcome by sin (and that, more than once). In that state of “overcome-ness” I have been treated two different ways. I’ve been yelled at, confronted, put down, and humiliated. And, it scared the sin right out of me—for a time. I have also been the person who was gently and humbly put back on the right path. You can trust me on this: of the two ways to be helped, the gentle, humble way worked better. In fact, Christianity, love, grace, and acceptance, never felt so true or as real as when I was restored in this manner. I saw and felt and knew true Christianity in action.

 

It was F.B. Meyer who once said that when we see a brother or sister in sin, there are three things we do not know: First, we do not know how hard he or she tried not to sin. Second, we do not know the power of the forces that assailed him or her. Third, we also do not know what we would have done in the same circumstances. The next time you interact with a brother or sister overcome by some sin, move into their life gently and humbly. It not only works better, it’s the Bible way.

—Phil Waite

 

 “God appoints our graces to be nurses to other men’s weaknesses.”
—Henry Ward Beecher, The New Dictionary of Thoughts

 

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June 22 - Ephesians 1
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. Ephesians 1:18 (NIV)

How Rich ARE You?
One of the fun adventures of traveling in another country is trying to figure out the exchange rate of foreign currency. I can remember the joy of wandering through outdoor markets in search of a treasure to bring home. When I had found just the right treasure, I excitedly handed the merchant my money. In return, I received back change—interesting looking bills and coins—the value of which I was at a loss to determine.

 

Sometimes, this is where we find ourselves in regard to the riches God has given us in Christ. In Ephesians 1, the Apostle Paul asks God to help us truly understand the wealth we possess as His children. He then goes on to describe some of those riches. We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in heaven—and heaven is a blessed place (vs 3). God lavishes upon us His grace, or unmerited favor (vs 7-8). The word lavish literally means “to bestow with profusion, liberal to a fault.” We are given the spirit of revelation and wisdom to know God (vs 17)! He has bestowed upon us “incomparably great power” to walk victorious in Him (vs 19).

 

The chapter ends with this incredible statement: “we are filled in every way with Christ.” All that Christ is—in goodness, wisdom, grace, and love—dwells inside each one of us.  How rich are you? Rich beyond measure…

—Leslie Little

 

 It delights your Father’s heart to give you the riches of His Kingdom.
Enjoy spending those riches today.

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June 23 - Ephesians 2
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God...
Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV)

Amazing Grace!!
“Amazing grace…how sweet the sound!” The older I become (I recently celebrated a birthday), the more I realize how much my life needs to be rooted in the character of God. He alone is holy. He is worthy. He is merciful. He is forgiving. In the midst of my failures, weaknesses, and imperfections, I have only to cry out to Jesus who hears me. Through the blood of Jesus, I am saved eternally, and by His grace and mercy, He is daily the Source of my life.

 

What a Savior! What amazing grace!

 

Each day Jesus calls to us to receive of His grace. Just take time out to thank Him for all He has done for you and in you. There is no room for boasting in ourselves, but plenty of opportunity to glorify our wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ. Receive from Him today and be a blessing to others.

—Cheryl Parduhn

 

Right now, Lord, we honor You for Your abundant mercy
and grace. Thank You so, so much.

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June 24 - Psalm 37
Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. Psalm 37:1 (NKJV)

It’s Tough to Be Good
It’s not fair! How come they are blessed with…?

 

It is ingrained in our psyche that we should be rewarded when we do well. Indeed, as we train our children, rewards are one of the tools we use so that we strengthen the association with good actions and good results.

 

This sets up an inevitable conflict when we become aware of the realities of life. Often bad guys and cheaters will win. When this happens, a warning flag goes up inside, signaling that all is not well with our view of the world. Our faith feels threatened.

 

Psalm 37 and its companion Psalm 73 (interesting number combination there), address this ubiquitous experience. We are exhorted to relax (“do not fret”), focus on the faithfulness of God (“feed on His faithfulness”), and trust Him. Sometimes this is easier said than done. “Where is the ‘Just God’ when we need Him?” we ask.

 

The Psalm reminds us that this is a universe governed by moral law. The laws of reaping and sowing still hold true. The timescale between the reaping and sowing may be long or the balance may be restored in eternity, but we will reap what we sow. This, however, requires trust.

 

Verses 39-40 sum it up: “But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him.”

—Howard Davis

 

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June 25 - Psalms 38-39
I said, “I will be careful how I act. I will not sin by what I say. I will be careful what I say around wicked people.” So I kept very quiet. I didn’t even say anything good. But I became even more upset. I became very angry inside. And the more I thought about it, the angrier I became. So I spoke.

Psalm 39:1-3 (New Century)

A Time to Speak
In these two Psalms the writer (David) is sharing about difficult situations in his life. He is not feeling very well physically and is complaining about the shortness of life. I think we have all been in similar situations. Situations where we want to isolate ourselves from everyone and suffer in silence. The psalmist tried to do this but found that he became even more upset and angry. Jeremiah also tried to do the same thing when he was lamenting Israel’s plight (Jeremiah 20:9).

 

Both David and Jeremiah found that it was not healthy for them to bottle things up and not share about the things they were going through. God is more than willing to listen and respond to both our struggles and our victories. David found this to be true on many occasions. But we can also be encouraged and helped when we share with those with whom we have relationship. God created us to be relational. That means more than just sharing the positive things in life; it means also sharing when we would rather crawl into a hole and pull it in after us.

Share something with someone today and see if God doesn’t use it to bless both you and the person you shared with. 

—Pastor John Carlson

 

When I decide to be quiet, the Lord’s message becomes
like a burning fire inside me and I cannot hold it in.
Therefore, I need to share with someone.
Jeremiah 20:9 (Pastor John Carlson’s Modified Version)

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June 26 - Ephesians 3
...that you might be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:19b (NKJV)

How Full is Full?
In the verse above, filled and fullness come from the same Greek word, which literally means to cram a net. Is Paul really saying cram your net with the cram your net of God? How does that work?

If God is a “thing we don’t have enough of,” being “filled with all the fullness” is limited by our capacity. At some point won’t cramming the net damage the net? If the driving force behind our knowing God and serving Him is to erase our emptiness, we have entirely missed the mark.

 

However, if knowing God is primarily for bringing Him pleasure and tasting of the fullness He has provided for us, can there be an endpoint? Moreover, if our aim is to demonstrate God to a world that knows precious little of Him, yet desperately needs Him, can we ever be “too full”? Are there a fixed number of miracles God has ordained? Is heaven too full for one more sinner saved by grace?

 

So then, how can we cram the net with the cram the net of God? Perhaps by listening to God talk to us more than we talk to Him? Perhaps we should ask God about Himself more than we ask God about ourselves? Perhaps we should give to others more than we reserve for ourselves? This cramming the net thing could take longer than we had originally planned—and perhaps that’s a good thing.

—Steven L. Stone

 

 “What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly
’tis dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows
how to put a proper price upon its goods.”
—Thomas Paine

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June 27 - Ephesians 4
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification,
that it may impart grace to the hearers. Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV)

Our Tongue—a Powerful Tool of Blessing!
One of the most powerful parts of the human body is our tongue (voice). It is able to build up with encouragement and blessing, or tear down and leave the recipient in ruins.

 

We’ve all experienced it. As youngsters and even adults, there is a game, a social pressure, where we build ourselves up by tearing others down, calling names, gossiping. In the world, the way to look better is to tear down those around us.

 

In God’s eyes, it’s just the opposite. We are called to build one another up, to encourage, to comfort, to bless, to help others see the goodness of God when they are blinded. Words are powerful tools, and can do just that.

 

Over the years I’ve found that people don’t hear enough encouraging words. TV and newspapers are full of bad news and tragic stories. People are bombarded with negatives. As light-bearers, we can change this—with some simple words.

 

Try this tomorrow, have an encouraging word for your family members and for those with whom you work. Say “Hello” to those you pass by as you walk. Let the Holy Spirit speak forth blessing through you to all you meet. I guarantee… you will change the faces and hearts of people all around you. And, you’ll be changed, too!

Words are like that. Powerful! And when used for His glory? Wow! Let us go impart some grace. It’ll be infectious, and who knows…you might want to do it again the next day!

 

—John Dieker

 

 “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart,
be acceptable in Thy sight, oh Lord.”
Psalm 19:14

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June 28 - Ephesians 5
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light…And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. Ephesians 5:8, 11 (NKJV)

How Are We to Live in This Post-modern World?
This scripture passage is definitely not politically correct. Contemporary church culture would dictate a much more lax approach to dealing with “works of darkness.” Maybe we have redefined what darkness is. Maybe it’s no longer sinful activity. Maybe we can now deem this classification to be only the most heinous offenses. That is, as I heard recently, that some activities are sin, and others might be called imperfections.

 

However, this chapter does not delineate between bad darkness and good darkness. It simply lists fornication, uncleanness, covetousness, foolish talking, coarse jesting, and such—categories which imply an exhaustive list. I dare say these are commonly in our thoughts and speech, and are regular fare in our entertainment. At what point are we in fellowship with darkness? To what degree do we, in fact, evangelize this affection in others?

Consequently, those who strive to live a clean life are often intimidated into not living as light, due to the fact that they, too, often find darkness alluring and tempting. It is also uncomfortable to feel sneered at or labeled as puritan or goody-goody. Likewise, we are quite reluctant to offend people we like, even though the fact remains that some very nice people do some very bad things.

How much of darkness flourishes simply because no light dares shine? I’m afraid I often stand accused and convicted. Let us be those who will risk being the most loving and caring people on earth, while we dare to live “as children of light.”

 

—Curtis Troll

 

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June 29 - Ephesians 6
Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil…Use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Ephesians 6:11, 13 (NLT)

Dressed For Success
When I go out in the morning, I am appropriately dressed for the occasion. And since our Palouse weather is ever-changing, I usually keep my coat handy. I wouldn’t want to be caught unprotected or underdressed like the emperor in the Anderson fairy tale The Emperor’s New Clothes.   

 

Nor should I go out unprotected or underdressed for the spiritual climate I live in. I honestly need to become more keenly aware of the dangers that surround me—“mighty powers of darkness who rule this world” (vs 12)—and dress more appropriately.  

 

I’ve been provided with an incredible spiritual wardrobe that I didn’t have to shop for or pay for. It’s been freely given for my well- being! As I put on my armor—belt, shoes, and helmet—and take up my shield and sword, I will be prepared for whatever comes my way. More than that, these mighty garments can be used to do battle against the powers of darkness and take more ground for building up the Kingdom of God on this earth! 

    
May I invite you to join me in putting on a sturdy belt of truth over your body armor of God’s righteousness, and walk in shoes of readiness to preach the Good News of our peace with God. Be prepared to use your shield of faith, secure your helmet of salvation, and take with you the sword of the Spirit. With such powerful, dynamic clothing, we’ll all be dressed for success today!

 

—Jackie Dieker

 

 Lord, help me be clothed in You,
and in the power of Your might today.
Ephesians 6:10

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June 30 - Philippians 1
For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. We are in this fight together… Philippians 1:29-30a (NLT)

The Privilege of Belonging to Christ
Take a moment right now, regardless of what you need to do next, and simply meditate on the privilege of trusting Christ. How was it? Now take a moment and think about the privilege of suffering for Him. Hmmm, different…powerful…confusing… This is a topic that needs our constant attention. Suffering for Christ is a critical issue that we often neglect, and it is happening in our Christian family this very moment.

We have family members right now being persecuted for their faith all over the world. RIGHT NOW! Maybe you are…if not, then know that your relative in the Lord is. Recently, I learned of a young sister in Pakistan who had acid poured on her face because she believed in Jesus. Is that really a privilege? Fathers have been taken from their families, some beaten, others murdered. Children have been murdered because their parents wouldn’t deny Christ. In fact, some were murdered right in front of their parents. Is that a privilege? Some were laughed at, beaten up, tortured, maimed, burned and killed, all in the name of Christ! Is that a privilege? If this happened to you or someone close to you, could you say it was a privilege?

 

In truth, I can say IT IS!!! However, for me, I know that Jesus does not just want me to run around quoting scripture, but rather imparting it. There is a truth deep in this passage for us to consider. What is our response when we suffer, or towards those suffering? There is really only one COST, the price Christ paid on the cross. When we reflect on this fact, it brings forth the “privilege” attitude.

 

—C.J. Carrier

 

 “If one member suffers, all the members suffer…”

1 Corinthians 12:26