James 3

September 1

“Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things… with it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.  James 3:5a, 9 (NKJV)

 

Our Tongue—An Instrument of Blessing!
Such a small part of our body, the tongue is powerful in its use for blessing or destruction. What was God’s intention? The obvious answer here is blessing.    

 

As children, we have often heard—and perhaps recited, “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” The truth is we often remember the things people have said about us for a long time. By the very words we speak, we can influence, encourage or tear down, and impact a life. Everything we do has impact. Often we don’t realize what impact we’ve had until years later when we see the positive or negative results of words we’ve spoken. 

 

God created our tongues as instruments of blessing. A heart overflowing with God’s love and grace can truly impact this world in a positive way. Each day, we have an opportunity to speak blessing and encouragement into the lives of people who need to hear it. In the world, positive words are often missing. There is so much negative, dissing, and tearing down of one another that it has become a way to relate. Yet, when a person is complemented their face lights up—they are blessed.

 

So, as instruments of blessing, let’s start with daily prayer asking the Holy Spirit to help us reach out and speak forth blessing throughout our day. It’s lab time folks. Who are you going to bless? 

 

—John Dieker

 

A habit takes 21 days to establish. Make a choice to verbally bless others for the next 21 days.
Who knows, you may not be able to quit!

 

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Psalms 79-80
September 2

 

O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple, they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble. …Pay back into the laps of our neighbors seven times the reproach they have hurled at you, O Lord. Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation, we will recount your praise. Psalm 79:1, 12-13 (NIV)

 

What Really Matters

Today, as I contemplated the news about planned terrorist attacks (plane bombings) in London, and even sought out information from different sources on the subject, I was reminded that what really matters is that Jesus saves.

 

Earlier this week, I read an article on an interview with Billy Graham and was reminded of my main purpose as a Christian: to share Christ. The older Billy Graham gets, the more he realizes that jumping on “issue” bandwagons really doesn’t accomplish much and the one thing he needs to focus on is sharing Christ.

 

When I read verses in the Bible like the one above, it’s easy to get distracted by the “issue” at hand and forget about what’s really important: salvation through faith in Christ. We need to remember that the “issues” exist to draw us and others to God and to accomplish His plan of salvation throughout the earth.

 

—Andrea Simanson

 

Lord, in the midst of all that is happening in the world around us, help us to remember not only to be drawn to You ourselves, but to draw others to You as well.

 

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Psalms 81-82

September 3

 

I removed his shoulder from the burden: His hands were delivered from the pots. Psalm 81:6 (KJV)

 

Let the Shofar Blast
Shouldering a burden and dragging around pots. I was once a slave in Egypt. No prospect was in sight, no point to my life, not even a promising word was spoken. The days drug on, my master was hard, and there my foot was held by this chain. Flies swarmed around, rats scurried away; I thought I would probably die a Hebrew slave.

 

Do you remember such a time? We would all do good to remember the days of our enslavement. The world was our Egypt and sin was our chain. But then our deliverer showed up! He removed my shoulder from the burden and delivered me from the labor pots. Hallelujah! I am FREE!!!

 

As we replay it in our minds, a rush of thanks will fill our hearts. What mighty things He has done—once enslaved, but now we’re saved. Hallelujah be to Jesus!

 

Interestingly, Psalm 81 was (and still is) read during the Jewish New Year. After the blowing of the Shofar the words of this chapter were read to the great congregation. Rosh Hashanah is a day of remembrance. And the words of these verses bring us back to the slave days in Egypt. 

 

What a shame it would be if we forgot those days. If we didn’t remember the kindness dealt out to us. If we thought our prosperity came of our own doing. May we never forget that we have truly been set free.

 

Rosh Hashanah was instituted that this would never happen. So today, give the Shofar a blast and spend a moment thanking God for what He has delivered you from.

 

—Demetrius Rogers

 

“In the seventh month, on the first of the month, there shall be a sabbath for you, a remembrance with shofar blasts.” Leviticus 16:24

 

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James 4
September 4

 

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor. James 4:7, 10 (NLT)

 

No Better Place

Most of chapter 4 is dealing with real world issues— quarrels, jealousy, worldly pleasure, wrong motives, hypocrisy, criticalness, pride. As we face these things in our daily lives (in ourselves and in those around us), there is an answer.

 

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” I’ve always thought that MY act of “resisting” was what made the devil flee. But this sentence in scripture is surrounded by these phrases: humble yourself before God, draw close to God, wash your hands, purify your hearts, let there be sorrow and deep grief (which to me speaks of repentance), and bow down before the Lord. All of these things happen when a person is near to God.

 

Although when Christ is in us, we have power over the devil, it seems that the act of “resisting the devil” is full of actions that bring us into the presence of God. When I’m in His Presence, the enemy flees, not because of ME, but ultimately because of God Himself.

 

So today, draw near to God. There’s really no better place to be.

 

—Cheryl Mitchell

 

“Humility is the gateway into the grace and the favor of God.” —Harold Warner

 

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James 5
September 5

 

…friends, wait patiently for the Master’s Arrival. You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their
valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time. James 5:7-8 (Message Bible)

 

Of Wealth and Words

James’ assignment from the Holy Spirit was to write a letter to Jewish Christians living in distant places among the nations. Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology describes the intended recipients as the “saved but not yet glorified.” James realized his readership would be very diverse. He dispensed a wide-range of timeless practical wisdom and warnings packed tightly in a short letter. Every generation of readers has surely found truth and personal applications in this epistle. The practical wisdom, if we take it in, and let it work on our character, will be like the rain doing a slow, but sure work to produce a mature crop for the farmer. In today’s chapter, James pens warnings about wealth and offers wisdom about words.

 

The temptations of wealth are self-sufficiency, arrogance, cruelty and callousness toward the needy. The warning: any worthless treasure we accumulate in this life will bear witness against us on the day of judgment. We must not trust it to save us. So, inventory the storehouse and save only what’s truly valuable: the eternal treasures.

 

James continues by addressing the subject of our words in practical applications: prayer, speaking in the name of the Lord, speaking well of others, avoiding oaths, singing praise, confessing sin, and calling for prayer. Let these warnings and wisdom take root today.

 

—Patty Gropp

 

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John 1
September 6

 

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.  John 1:6-9 (KJV)

 

Called To Bear Witness

Back in the late seventies, when I was somewhere around 16 years old, we had a guest ministry come in from southern California. Even to this day, I still remember one of the messages that he preached. The text was John 1. This scripture impacted me then, and it is still impacting me today. 

 

John 1:6 says, “There was a man sent from God whose name was John.” At this point, the man of God speaking on this text encouraged us to put our own name in where the scripture used the name of John. It was a bit scary but I did it. As a young girl I remember saying the ominous words, “There was a woman sent from God whose name was Kari.”

 

As I read on in John 1, I realize that I have a job to do—I am to bear witness of the Light, Jesus Himself, so that others might believe! 

 

Please take the time to read this scripture out loud, with your name in the text.

 

—Pastor Kari Vance

 

 “A witness is someone who by explanation and demonstration gives audible and visible evidence of what he has seen and heard without being deterred by the consequences of his action.”
—S. Briscoe, Getting Into God

 

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John 2
September 7

 

Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. John 2:10 (KJV)

 

It Only Gets Better!

The Christian life starts out SO GOOD—with forgiveness, cleansing, and new life—and it only gets BETTER!

 

God knows how to end a party with a splash! He intends that the latter days will be even better than the former days, the latter rain better than the former rain, the end better than the beginning. God is not governed by laws of entropy, the decline and disintegration and progressive disorder of all things. And neither is His Kingdom, of which we are part. The Lord Jesus turned ordinary water into a connoisseur’s dream wine at the end of a party; what do you think He can do with the lives of ordinary people at the end of the age?

 

As the days of this kosmos (the world) wind down, let’s look to see God’s infusion of light, life, sparkle, and flavor in believers’ lives! The party’s just beginning!

 

—Nancy Grunewald

 

 “The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Proverbs 4:18

 

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John 3
September 8

 

The Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven. John 3:6b (NLT)

 

The Heaven Life

Life from heaven. Isn’t this the kind of life we all want? The “Heaven Life” where there is no more pain or crying or death, no more financial problems, sickness or heartache.

 

This morning the sky was beautiful as many rays of sunlight softly spilled from the clouds. I took a walk up to a piece of land my husband and I dream about building on. I startled some birds to flight and watched chipmunks scurry away. I lay down on the ground and stared up at the sky. I strolled through the pine trees. I sat down on the rock that has been special to me since I was a child and gazed out over the beauty of the Palouse. I noticed how the fields had changed colors since the last time I was there and how the leaves on the bushes were already anticipating the approach of fall. I felt the warm wind in my face. I saw two hawks—one soaring in the sky, one gliding close to the ground. I picked up a pinecone, a rock, and a feather to take home with me. And I knew that the Holy Spirit really had brought me new life from heaven.

 

I could have focused on the obstacles my husband and I face in realizing the dream we have. But then I would have missed the gift of “Heaven Life” the Holy Spirit had planned for me today. Instead, I sensed the pleasure my God felt as I did just exactly what He created me to do—love and enjoy His creation. 

 

—Gina Young

 

Jesus, thank you for the “Heaven Life” You bring us each and every day. We so look forward to bringing You pleasure this day as we simply live who You made us to be and receive Your gift of “Heaven Life.”

 

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Psalms 83-84
September 9

 

Blessed is the man...whose strength is in You, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. Psalm 84:5 (Amplified Bible)

 

Highways to Zion

Hot weather brings highway construction. Detours, delays, the smell of tar, and those sweaty-looking road workers in hard hats and orange vests, the ones holding the “SLOW” signs. I can tell that those people really like me. I can tell by the way they wave their signs energetically at me as I drive by.

 

Speaking of highways, there is an intriguing highway in Psalm 84. We’re invited to look into our hearts and find a very particular highway there, “the highway to Zion.” My heart, the core of my motivations, appetites, and feelings, can be a tumultuous and messy place. Yet the psalmist is telling me to look there for a big road, raised up and driving right through the midst of it all. A conspicuous path staked out and aiming straight for God. A clear and irreducible compass: seek Him—find Him—please Him. An inner sense of direction that is never up for grabs.

 

If we accept the psalmist’s invitation, and look at this highway in our hearts, what do we find? Is all well at the core? If so, we can just enjoy the imagery of verses 5-7. What if we find, instead, that some road repair is needed? Maybe some potholes need to be filled. Maybe there’s a need for an additional on-ramp or another lane to increase capacity. As The Message Bible says in verse 11, God doesn’t scrimp with His traveling companions. He’s there with roadside assistance if we need it. And, if He has a sign to wave at us, it likely won’t say, “SLOW.” Who knows, it may even say, “FEEL FREE TO SPEED.”

 

—Pastor Tracy Weaver

 

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Psalms 85-86
September 10

 

Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Psalm 85:10 (NIV)

 

God’s Dwelling Place

I have always been fascinated by this verse. The poetic imagery is rather beautiful. This description of the harmony and intertwining of such powerful qualities makes me think of God. He is the fullness of love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace perfectly blended together.

 

Take a moment to consider the full outcome of this verse. A life that is redeemed by Christ, filled with the Spirit of the Living God, and yielded to the impulses of His will, carries these same qualities. I can tend to get bogged down in the trenches of living the Christian life, trying to be all that God wants me to be. And I forget that the beauty of God Himself flows through my being— the harmony of love and faithfulness, the loveliness of righteousness and peace entwined.

 

Something magnificent was set in motion when Jesus laid down His life for us. When the veil was rent and we came humbly into the Holy of Holies, God met us. And He changed His place of residence. His permanent resting place is now within us.

 

If the cares and responsibilities of this life have been filling your field of vision lately, stop and reflect on verse 10. Say it out loud, slowly and thoughtfully. Let the wonder of being God’s dwelling place refresh your soul.

 

—Leslie Little

 

“…it remains to those who rejoice in the great reconciliation to continue both to wonder and adore.”
—Charles H. Spurgeon, The Treasury of David

 

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John 4
September 11

 

…but whoever drinks of the water I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life. John 4:14 (NKJV)

 

Is This Water Safe to Drink?

The water Jesus offers the Samaritan woman in the passage above seems to be so refreshing and unique that it can even satisfy the empty places of the soul. Amazingly, it transforms the recipient into an ever flowing fountain of everlasting life regardless of pre-existing conditions.

 

The word translated fountain comes from a word meaning a plumply gushing fount that is not necessarily the original spring. In other words, it’s “connected” to the original source, but separated enough to be unique. If we drill down further into the meaning, we find it comes from a word that means to pitch a tent. Putting the two together we get the picture of perpetual refreshment in a place of shelter and provision.

 

If safe means “not likely to cause change,” then this water is not safe to drink. It would better be described as shaping or catalytic. It should almost have a warning label—like “Hold on!”

 

As with all of us, the Samaritan woman had “issues,” but they didn’t seem to diminish or taint the impact of what Jesus was offering. Later in the chapter, we read how this same woman influenced her community to come and hear Jesus personally.

 

Is there some parched place in you that needs irrigation? Might it be a good location for a fountain of everlasting life? If you allow Jesus His way, your lonely place of need might become a public gathering place of refreshment.

 

—Steven L. Stone

 

Receive what Jesus offers—no matter how worthy you feel.

 

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John 5
September 12

 

Let me assure you that whoever hears my word and believes the One who sent Me has eternal life.
John 5:24a (Cheryl Parduhn’s compliation)

 

Speak Lord, For Thy Servant Heareth

The question verse 24 provokes is: “What are we hearing from God today? If we really hear from God, we believe Him. And, if we believe Him, we are released into a spiritual dimension able to accomplish great things for God.

 

The Jews of that day were locked into the tedious mechanics of their Sabbath practice—same ol’, same ol’. They followed certain religious practices for years, but never personally met Jesus, even when He stood before them. With blind eyes and deaf ears, the Jews spoke scathing remarks to those who followed Jesus. Not having heard of the glories of heaven, they alienated God and others from their “personal space.”

 

In the midst of the Jews, Jesus entered the scene, healing a sick man at the pool of Bethsaida. The man heard, and responded to Jesus’ words: “Rise, take up your bed and walk!” After thirty-eight years of illness, this miraculous recovery caused quite a stir in the religious community.

 

Now, what would happen if we acted upon the word God spoke to us? Would we be willing to forge through the criticism of others until we had an encounter with Jesus? Would we press through thorny natural obstacles to answer the call of God? Let’s be encouraged to hear from God and do what He says! He is waiting for those who genuinely believe Him—to such, the promises of God are boundless.

 

—Cheryl Parduhn

 

“Call unto Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you have not known.” Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV)

 

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John 6
September 13

 

When Jesus looked out and saw that a large crowd had arrived, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread to feed these people?” John 6:5 (Message Bible)

 

Jesus Loves to Teach

I read this and smile, thinking Jesus was having a little fun teaching this lesson to Philip. Philip’s answer to the question was, “There is no way we have enough money to buy food for all of these people.” Andrew tries to help out by offering five loaves of bread and two fish, but for five thousand people? Philip and Andrew probably thought it was impossible. How could they pass this test?

 

Have you ever been in a situation where it seems the test Jesus is giving you is impossible to pass? I know I have. There have been times in my life where I had no clue how to solve a problem at work or where the money would come to pay our bills for the month, or how to deal with a death in the family. Just as Jesus had the answer for Philip and Andrew, He has the answer for us.

 

I believe Jesus, our great teacher, loves to test us and prove His teachings are true in our lives. Sometimes the tests are easy and sometimes they are hard, yet Jesus is always ready to help us pass the test. I imagine Him smiling, laughing, and rejoicing when we pass the test. He also hurts inside when we fail to put our trust in Him and fail the test. When we fail, Jesus, our teacher, looks for another opportunity to teach us the lesson in a different way so it becomes alive in our lives.

 

Jesus loves to see His people succeed and live the truth of His word. What an exciting life to learn and grow in the character and attributes of Jesus our Lord.

 

—Jim Boyer

 

“Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” John 6:68 (NKJV)

 

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John 7
September 14

 

“…for you any time is right…You go to the Feast, I am not yet going up to this Feast,  because for Me the right time has not yet come.” John 7:6b, 8 (NIV)

 

Timing is Everything

In this chapter, Jesus and His disciples were preparing to go up to the Feast. It was that time of the year and the thing to do. Yet, in their preparations and discussion with Him, His response in these verses challenged me.

 

Doing the right thing is not always the right thing at that time. Jesus didn’t scold them for wanting to go, or even for preparing to go, but I believe He was setting an example for them, and us, to stop and listen to the Spirit before simply doing the next logical, practical thing.

 

There are the obvious reasons He could have used for the delay —the crowds, the opposition, protecting His followers—but maybe He needed or wanted time with the Father to really know the plan before going. Nurturing His presence and knowing His voice is a key that takes us in our relationship from waiting to be told what to do, to being actively involved and engaged with the Holy Spirit in our lives daily. I know I can get focused on my agenda and switch to “auto- pilot.” Jesus, however, was always dialoging with His Father, desiring to know the directions of His calling for that day.

 

If I want to be pleasing to Him—and I do—then I, too, want to be making choices daily that are based on hearing His voice and responding to the specific direction and purpose He has for my life.

 

—Steve Garl

 

Lord, Let me know the voice of your Holy Spirit and the gentle touch of your hand, that I would walk in your timing, touching those You have prepared to cross my path. Amen.

 

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John 8
September 15

 

If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31b-32 (NKJV)

 

Do You Know the Truth?

In this passage Jesus points out three important byproducts of being in the Word of God: 1) You are a disciple; 2) You shall know the truth; and 3) That truth shall make you free. When Jesus spoke this to the Jewish crowd that was around Him, it totally offended them. They reminded Jesus that they were Abraham’s descendants and had never been in bondage. But the bondage that Jesus was talking about was not physical bondage but spiritual bondage—they were slaves to a far greater master—SIN!!!!!

 

Unlike the offended Jewish crowd, we must see the power of SIN today. We can so easily become duped into thinking our own way is right and that doing something a little on the edge is okay. It doesn’t control me, so what’s wrong with it? The further we get away from being in the Word, the further we get away from the truth. We need the truth from the Word to expose the lies the devil tells us every day. Jesus tells us later in this chapter that the devil is a liar and there is NO truth in him—so don’t believe him!!!

 

For some reason we would rather believe a lie than believe the truth. Why? Because sometimes the truth hurts. But the truth as seen in the Word of God will also set you FREE!!!! Don’t be a slave to sin. Let the Word of God convict, refresh and free you.

 

—Pastor Phil Vance

 

Stay in the Word every day and enjoy being a disciple, knowing the truth and walking in freedom!

 

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Psalms 87-88
September 16

 

The Lord will record, when He registers the peoples: “This one was born there.” Psalm 87:6 (NKJV)

 

The Point of Starting Over

In Hebrew, the word born is used to convey the concept of lineage. What about my lineage? I was born in the city of Spokane, Washington, to Bill and Jackie Reynolds. Essentially, I am the daughter of two wonderful people who happened to live in eastern Washington for a period of time. This obscurity is not uncommon in today’s society. No wonder so many people feel like they have to “make a name for themselves.”

 

When I am born again in Jesus Christ, though, I am born into the family of God. I am now registered in Zion, the city of God. My lineage has just changed, and I am now a daughter of the King of kings!

 

Just what are the implications of this change in lineage? Sometimes I feel a bit like Nicodemus in John 3, when I think about being born again. What nonsense to be born again—to start over—when we’ve worked so hard to get where we are in life. Think about it. No matter who you are, it’s taken you your entire life to reach this very point! Why would anybody want to give up all the hard work they have put in to get here—to make a name for themselves?

 

But Jesus said in John 3:6, “That which is born of flesh is flesh, and that which is born of Spirit is spirit.” When we are born again, we can see and enter into the kingdom of God. We are now part of a family with an eternal heritage.  What a profound and exciting lineage!

 

—Kathy Dorgan

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Psalm 89
September 17

 

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, with my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.  Psalm 89:1 (NKJV)

 

Contradictions

Psalm 89 begins with proclamations of the greatness of God and the restating of God’s covenant promises to David. Then in verse 38, a noticeable change occurs as Ethan tells how life REALLY is.

 

If your life is like mine, there are plenty of times when my circumstances appear to be exactly opposite of the promises God’s Word says are mine. How easy to become frustrated, confused and discouraged when we focus on these contradictions. Where is God in the middle of all this?

 

Learning to praise God in the midst of trials, and calling those things which are not, as though they were, does not come naturally— I have to work at it. Confessing aloud God’s promises to me, even when the opposite appears to be my reality, builds spiritual muscles that can’t be built any other way. Is my faith in God, or my circumstances?

 

A verse I often remind myself of is Isaiah 29:5, “Suddenly, in an instant, the Lord Almighty will come…” Everything in life is subject to change, and often those changes occur suddenly. Another phrase that encourages me is “and it came to pass.” This reminds me that whatever I’m facing today will pass.

 

While we wait (patiently or not) for God’s promises to be fulfilled in our lives, let’s cultivate the art of making known His faithfulness to all generations. The words we speak are more powerful than we realize, because they have creative force. I want to be found creating an atmosphere for God to come suddenly on the scene.

 

—Jan Chase

 

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John 9
September 18

 

So the [blind] man went where he was sent and washed and came back seeing!  John 9:7b (Living Bible)

 

What Do You See Today?

This chapter on the healing of the blind man is filled with so many insights (pun intended)! Here are just a few:

 

Suffering can be for the glory of God. We live in a fallen world that is tainted by sin. Sometimes bad things happen to good people. Sometimes there is pain in life that we simply do not understand. He meets us and carries us through the suffering. How can we be a part of giving Him glory today?

 

Miracles happen when we obey God. The blind man could have received his sight simply by a word spoken from Jesus, or the instant the mud was put on his eyes. Instead, Jesus gave him a command that, once obeyed, released a miracle. What is it that God is asking us to do today that, once we obey, will bring about a miracle?

 

God’s end-game for us is good. When the blind man was going through a trial (being interrogated by the Pharisees), Jesus found him. He had already received a physical healing but God’s end-game was to bring him spiritual healing. What is God’s end-game in the trial we may be facing today?

 

We don’t need to know all the answers. The blind man told the Pharisees he didn’t really know who Jesus was but what he did know was that he was blind and now could see. We can share with others what God has done in our lives even when we can’t explain it (or Him) perfectly. How can we testify to God’s goodness today?

 

—Lily Sherman

 

Jesus, open our eyes today to see You.

 

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John 10
September 19

 

He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he gets them all out, he leads them and they follow because they are familiar with his voice. They won’t follow a stranger’s voice but will scatter because they aren’t used to the sound of it. John 10:4-5 (Message Bible)

 

He Calls Me by Name

There is something that warms my heart when I am in the store or walking down the street and hear someone calling my name, and I see that it is a friend of mine. Hearing my friend’s voice immediately stirs thoughts of our relationship, and in a way, feeds my soul. In John 10, Jesus gives us a picture that deeply touches this same heart cry for our souls to be nourished and cared for by someone we know intimately.

 

We can better understand this picture by understanding the relationship of sheep and shepherd in Jesus’ day. Often the sheep were kept for wool and not for slaughter. So, individual sheep were with their shepherd for years. During that time, the shepherd attended constantly to the needs of each sheep, never leaving them alone. The shepherd would give each sheep a name. And when the shepherd led the flock to pasture, water, or shelter, he would call them by name. It was a reassuring sound for the sheep. They would be comforted by the shepherd’s call because it was a sound they knew well. They trusted their shepherd. He had proven himself faithful to them. And at the same time, they knew that any other call would be that of a stranger—one they didn’t know and would certainly flee from.

 

Jesus—our Faithful Shepherd—constantly attends to our needs, never leaves us alone, and always leads us into abundant life. Are you used to the sound of His voice? Today...He is calling you by name.

 

—Lynn Little

 

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John 11
September 20

 

And Lazarus came out, bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”  John 11:44 (NLT)

 

Unwrapped

Picture, if you will, the scene when Jesus calls the dead Lazarus from his cave-like tomb. The stone has been rolled away at His command (vs 39). The assembled crowd watches in hesitant expectancy. Jesus shouts “Lazarus come out!” All is still—everyone is holding their breath…nothing happens…and then from the tomb shuffles a figure, wrapped in grave clothes, bound hand and foot, with his head wrapped with a burial cloth as well.

 

We don’t know if he was wrapped like a mummy or not—but we do know that he was so bound up that he couldn’t loose himself, and required the assistance of others to help him—hence the Lord’s command to “Unwrap him and let him go!” This is a compelling picture of our lives: we were dead in sin and the Lord called us from our tomb to new life! But like Lazarus, we were all bound with the grave clothes of our old dead lives. Jesus commands the assembled crowd—that is the Church—to assist in unwrapping the old life that binds us. We cannot unwrap ourselves; we must have assistance. 

 

So, what are the bindings that keep you and remind you of your old life? What keeps you from being able to walk in newness of life? What do you need help with to become unbound and untangled? Again, you cannot unwrap yourself. We all need the community of believers to help us be unwrapped and loosed to new life. Jesus calls you out—will you accept the help you need to be loosed and set free?

 

—Phil Waite

 

Lord, reveal to us the graveclothes that yet bind us. Then reveal them as well to our brothers and sisters  that we may be loosed and set free to new life. Amen

 

 

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John 12
September 21

 

Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. John 12:3 (NKJV)

 

Pure Devotion to God

I have pictured the second anointing of Jesus so many times that I can almost see what happened, and smell the fragrance in the room. Imagine, here was Lazarus eating, talking and laughing when just a few weeks earlier, he was dead. Joy, excitement and delight must have filled this house! Then, there’s Martha scurrying around the room serving the food, filling the glasses and clearing the dishes. Finally, here comes Mary. She’s carrying a plain vase which contains very expensive perfume. She walks up to Jesus, sits before Him and opens the vase. The fragrance fills the air. All eyes are on her. She pours the oil over His feet, wiping them off with her hair. What a picture of pure devotion, love, and honor!

 

We get a glimpse of just how much Mary adores Jesus. I don’t think Mary knew what her actions would eventually mean, but how could she know? She stepped out in faith and I’m sure her heart was racing as she wondered “Is this the right thing to do? What will Jesus think? What will others say?”

 

Like Mary, we have opportunities every day to step out in faith, to show our adoration to our Lord, and to do simple acts of kindness not knowing what divine event might occur because of our actions. Whatever we do, however we pour out our lives to others or to God, there definitely will be a beautiful fragrance that radiates from us.  

 

—Jodi Luree Anderson

 

Dear God, as we sit in your Presence, may we show our adoration and love to you in ways that will bless and honor you. Let our pure devotion be a beautiful fragrance that fills the air.

 

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John 13
September 22

 

And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands,  and that He had come from God and was going to God,  rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. John 13:2-4 (NKJV)

 

Serving and Forgiving Beyond What’s Deserved

What a contrast: The sinister workings of man and the abundant grace of God. Judas was evidently fertile ground for the planting of devilish thoughts. Yet Jesus, well aware of Judas’ intent, chose to wash his feet.

 

Judas wrestled inside as he schemed and sweated out possible disclosure. Jesus remained resolute in His purpose to love and to serve.  Each believer should be challenged on two fronts. First, are we allowing ourselves to be open to hateful and critical thoughts of others? Secondly, are we willing to love and serve those who we may deem least deserving of our service?

 

I must admit, I more often want to give of myself to the intelligent, the prosperous, the upwardly-mobile, the contributors. But, Jesus lived His life so that He gave of Himself to those who would give NOTHING in return.

 

Jesus forgave an offense BEFORE it was committed. Maybe it’s up to me to determine TODAY, that I will love and forgive all people. Maybe then God can joyfully bring into my life those He’s wanting to save.

 

—Curtis Troll

 

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Psalms 90-91
September 23

 

Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, That we may rejoice and be glad all our days!... Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;  I will set him on high, because he has known My name. Psalms 90:14, 91:14 (NKJV)

 

Access to His Mercy

Today’s reading, Psalms 90-91 are a wonderful pair of Psalms to read back to back. I was struck how one complimented the other. Notice, I chose to highlight the 14th verses of each Psalm.

 

Psalm 90 is one of Moses’ Psalms, and it is structured in two parts. The first part (vs 1-12) is a reminder of perspective—how big God is and how dependent we are on Him. The remainder of the Psalm is a passionate cry to a personal God for His mercy. How I need and want his mercy in my life. It is key to a successful life and the establishment of the work of my hands.

 

Psalm 91 tells us the benefits and the method for obtaining God’s mercy. It stands as a bookend to Psalm 90. It also has two parts as the first part is in 3rd person describing what it means to live under the Shadow of the Almighty. I want to live there!

 

At verse 14, however, there is a change of voice and the Father is speaking. “Because he has set his love upon me…” Here is the key to obtaining God’s mercy from His own lips. Lord help me to set my love upon you every moment of every day!

 

—Howard Davis

 

“He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;  I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.” Psalm 91:15

 

 

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Psalms 92-93
September 24

 

The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree… still yield(ing) fruit in old age. Psalm 92:12a, 14a (NASB)

 

Duds Don’t Display Diddly

Rockets don’t have throttles or brakes.

 

Once you ignite the fuel inside them, the good ones burn at a nice, consistent rate and don’t quit until the fuel is all gone or they reach their intended target.

 

Have you ever met a Christian like that? The kind that catches fire and just goes and goes and goes…

 

What is it about that kind of man or woman? He or she goes through tough times like the rest of us, trips up, gets up, brushes off, and keeps going at the same speed, whistling a little tune. They meet with misfortune and count it as an opportunity—get told to give it up, and they instead give it their all.

 

The rest of us who’ve been around a while seem to think our “get-up-and-go” got up and went.

 

I’m not normally a betting man, but I’ll wager that those kind of tried-and-true Christians declare God’s loving kindness in the morning and His faithfulness at night. They are planted in God’s house and allow themselves to flourish. They’re full of life and bearing fruit.

 

I don’t know how many days I’ve got left, but I’ve at least got today—there is still propellant in me to burn—so it is befitting to stay the course.

 

—Bob Mitchell

 

“The last days of the saints are sometimes their best days, and their last work their best work: perseverance is sure evidence of sincerity.”  –Matthew Henry

 

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John 14
September 25

 

If you love me, you will obey what I command...Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me... If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching… He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. John 14:15, 21a, 23a, 24a (NIV)

 

True Love for Jesus = Obedience

Obeying God is not always a popular subject to talk about, but to Jesus it is the evidence of our true love for Him! He wants us to understand the simple, but profound impact obedience has on our relationship with Him. He repeats this saying four times in one chapter (for us to seriously consider it) and ends with His own example, “…the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what My Father has commanded Me” (vs 31).

 

Astounding! Jesus obeyed all of the Father’s commands; His perfection in it overwhelms us. Yet He expects our love for Him to compel us to choose His will. We are to believe, lay down our lives when it’s not convenient, love, give, be kind when opposed, patient when wronged, bold, courageous, deny our own way of comforting ourselves, and trust Him in every situation.

 

We struggle with these choices everyday, but let’s look at the reward of relationship and God’s Presence in the wonderful promises that follow when we obey His Word! Our Father gives us the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, to be with us always and live in us (vs 16-17). We are loved by Jesus and the Father. Jesus will show [reveal, exhibit in person, appear, declare plainly, inform, manifest openly, make known] Himself to us (vs 21), and God will make His home with us (vs 23). WOW! Nothing in this life is more fulfilling or worth our obedience!

 

—Leslie Garl

 

Lord, help me show my true love for You all day, knowing Your Presence and seeing Jesus is worth choosing You!

 

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John 15
September 26

 

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit: apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)

 

Heavenly Husbandry

I’ve been tempted, recently, to plant some weeds on our property. Sometimes anything is better than nothing and we currently have not one tree. We are planning on doing some transplanting soon, but first we need to make sure the soil is in place and prepared or the trees will die and all will be for naught.

 

How much more essential is the preparation and care needed for trees intended to produce fruit! Most trees provide shade, but a fruit tree also provides sweet sustenance in season. Deliberate care is rewarded richly.

 

In John 15, Jesus compares Christianity to this whole process. The key? It is mentioned 12 times in the first 10 verses—abiding in Him.

 

We too easily become restless and distracted. We struggle with the purposeful and necessary confines, and safety, that being “tethered” to Christ brings. In His love, He allows us to remove ourselves from our life source and we begin to wither, sometimes to death. We may recognize an area in our lives that is barren if we allow the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and bring us to repentance.

 

Instead, let’s embrace the security, purpose, freedom, and fruitfulness that come in abiding in Him. In this, God is glorified and we are recognized as His disciples in a world desperate to know the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

 

—Pastor Joe Fitzgerald

 

Holy Spirit, flow in and through me today. May the fruit of my life bring refreshment in a dry and weary land.

 

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John 16
September 27

 

And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.
John 16:8 (NKJV)

 

Living with the Holy Spirit

Jesus has given us His Holy Spirit. He knew we would need assistance to live the new life He set up for us, and He cared enough to set us up for success. I am so grateful that we have the Holy Spirit Helper to guide us toward His abundant Life. Here is what He says we are to receive from His Spirit:

 

Conviction of sin (vs 9): Sin separates us from our source of Life. The Spirit reveals specific things so we may move back to the  sanctified lifestyle God has designed for us.

 

Conviction of righteousness (vs 10): His Helper fills us and speaks to our spirit, continually guiding us so that we may live in purity, holiness, and a close relationship with God.

 

Conviction of judgment (vs 11): Judgment has been made! The devil is cast down! We have victory in Christ Jesus! We have freedom to move forward in the abundant life Jesus Christ has created for us. 

 

Guidance into all truth (vs 13): Jesus promises to guide us by His Spirit. We need not lean on our own understanding, but He shall direct our paths as we acknowledge His Spirit’s presence in our lives.

 

I am so grateful we are not left alone to figure life out for ourselves. We have the Holy Spirit within us, so let us walk forth in the power, freedom, and direction Jesus provides.

 

—Brian Dorgan, Jr.

 

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

 

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John 17
September 28
“…Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you...” “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me because of their testimony.” John 17:1b, 20 (NLT)

 

A Lesson Learned by Listening

How do you really get to know somebody? For me, it’s taking time to draw them out and really listen to what they share. I find out where they’re coming from, what they like or don’t like, what their burdens are, etc.

 

In my “red letter Bible,” the publisher has carefully red-inked the words spoken by Jesus. This incredible chapter ends a section of four chapters which are written almost entirely in red! Even more astounding, this chapter is the longest recorded conversation between our Father God and Jesus in the whole Bible!

 

While in this instance I didn’t draw Jesus out, I can still get to know Him by listening to what He says. What is the burden on Jesus’ heart right before His arrest, trial, and the laying down of His own life for us? It wasn’t “Father please protect me” or “Don’t let this be too painful.” That’s something I might have prayed if I had known what He knew about His near future. No. His eyes weren’t on Himself or His impending circumstances. His concern was for glorifying His Father, for equipping His disciples, and for saving all future believers…us!

 

Wow! What an example for me to follow! Today, rather than focusing my prayers on my own problems, I’m inspired to pray more for my children, husband, friends, parents, community, etc. May my life bring more glory to my Father today as I lift others up in prayer.

 

—Jackie Dieker

 

God gave us two ears and one mouth so that we would listen twice as much as we would speak.

 

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John 18
September 29

 

Then Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?” John 18:11 (NKJV)

 

The Cup of Redemption

Jesus, our Model, our Pattern, said, “Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?” And then He drank the cup of our redemption.

 

What cup has the Father given you? It is a cup of redemption. Recently, I woke up with this thought: we need to hang on to God through all circumstances until we see His redemptive purposes in them. He will bring them to pass if we daily drink the cup He has given us. The Bible says that “all things work together for good for those who love him” (Romans 8:28a), yet how easy it is to want to abort painful circumstances in our lives. 

 

Peter tried to remedy a painful situation with his own efforts. What if Peter had been successful in turning back the soldiers and the crowd? Where would we be? We might still be in our sins!

 

Lord, today help me to drink the cup which You have given me! Then Your redemption will be realized in my life and in the lives of those I touch.

 

—Rick Grunewald

 

“We went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.” Psalm 66:12b

 

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Psalms 94-95 
September 30

 

For the Lord is the great God…In His hand are the deep places of the earth; the heights of the hills are His also. The sea is His, for He made it; and His hands formed the dry land. Psalm 95:3a, 4-5 (NKJV)

 

“He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”

 

Our God is alive and caring for His creation. After reading these verses, I was reminded of the truthI learned as a child: He holds the whole world in His hands. He has each one of us is in His hands. Do you feel like you’re in His hands? Do you feel His Fatherly love? Whether you feel it or not, the fact is He does have the whole world in His hands!

 

The thing that strikes me here is how much of a father our God really is. He’s not sitting back and watching. He’s involved. He ought to write a book on parenting! Oh…He did…the Bible!

 

Our Father God cares for us and wants to be our father, and have a father/son (daughter) relationship with us. We truly are in His hands, and as we face challenges we know, “…God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthian 10:13). And when we have success, when we grow, we should know that our Father smiles with joy. And when we struggle and fail we should know, He feels the pain as well—but we are never out of His hands. That is a caring Father, who loves us unconditionally.

 

The next time you feel alone, or out on a limb all by yourself, be reminded you are in His hands. Yes…He has the whole world in His hands!

 

—John Dieker

 

“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of His hand.”  Psalm 95:6-7