by Dave Nesburg

Sixth Sunday after Epiphany

Sunday, February 13

Jeremiah 17:5-8

In What Do I Trust?

Working at Grand Valley State University, I am blessed to mentor our men’s ministry programs. These are young men who are dedicated to honoring God with their lives. Sometimes these groups have a tendency to identify sins and vices and then to seek to root these behaviors out. Issues of internet addictions, anger, and self-esteem issues, are brought up as impediments standing in the way of a godlier life. A problem with this approach is that it often focuses solely on these issues at the expense of growing deeper in one’s relationship with Christ. Focusing on problems alone can keep us from developing a deeper understanding of Christ himself. These verses today remind us of the importance of trusting in the Lord—trust that comes from experiencing God and learning about his love for us.

How is your walk with God today? Are you focused on the shortcomings in your life, or are you focused on developing your relationship with Christ—through his Word, prayer, and fellowship?

God, may I seek after you and you alone today, developing trust and obedience. Amen.

Monday, February 14

Jeremiah 17:9-13

How Do You Really Feel?

As a former camp director and now as a campus pastor, I have been able to experience powerful and emotional worship. Hands raised and hearts poured out, inspirational talks, and powerful music—all are hallmarks of worship at both camp and the university. The feelings are intense and motivating, and students may believe they have never been closer to God. This worship is indeed special. But the problem is when the worship ends and they don’t feel the same way, they wonder if they are no longer close to God.

The Scripture today alludes to the deceitfulness of our hearts—how we often cannot understand our own hearts and feelings. Thankfully God’s closeness is more than emotions, he is a God of truth and light. God knows us and desires us to feel his love intimately and for us to align our lives with his ways.

God, help me to not be misled by my feelings. May I be moved by your Word and truth in my life. Amen.

Tuesday, February 15

Luke 5:27-32

Smallness of Being

I love this scene where Jesus recognizes Levi (Matthew the apostle) sitting in his tax booth and calls on him to “follow me.” This sinful tax collector is seen by Christ and empowered to play a pivotal role in his ministry and life. What a turnaround!

St. Thomas Aquinas talked about the vice of pusillanimity—a vice he saw in so many Christians. Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung, in Glittering Vices states, “Those afflicted by this vice, shrink back from all that God has called them to be. When faced with the effort and difficulty of stretching themselves to the great things of which they are capable, they cringe and say, I can’t.”

Christ’s call to Levi embowered him with miraculous courage and strength—we should all take heart. God is willing and capable of using each of us, regardless of our perceived strengths and weaknesses. In Christ all things are possible.

Christ, forgive my fear of being too small and fill me with your mighty Spirit today. Amen.

Wednesday, February 16

Luke 6:6-11

Expect the Unexpected

Today Jesus does the unexpected—giving the Pharisees a miracle, a lesson, and a correction. Expectations play a big role in the way we follow Christ as well. We expect God to do certain things at certain times and to certain people. In my prayer life I see this too. I craft my prayers to say what I think God would want to hear, and I use churchy language to say it. I hold back hard things, fearing God might not live up to my expectations. Perhaps I think I am helping him look good?

As I grow older I am learning that as I walk with Christ daily, I trust him more. I trust his wisdom, his timing, and his goodness. I gently suggest to students, “Let go of your hard expectations, and be amazed, surprised even by little things.” We shouldn’t expect less of God but rather, we can allow room in our hearts to take delight in small daily miracles—those that reveal our loving God’s heart.

Dear Lord, exceed my expectations in your way and in your time. Amen.

Thursday, February 17

Luke 6:17-21

He Never Disappoints

Each day at Grand Valley, thousands of students walk across the campus. At the clocktower by my office, groups set up tables or banners to draw a crowd. They give away prizes, set up crazy events and play loud music—all designed to get the students’ attention. Some days the crowds become huge—but rarely do the crowds get what they came for—they tend to walk away disappointed.

Today we see Christ coming down from a time of prayer in the mountains, joining huge crowds who came to hear and be healed by this powerful rabbi. His reputation preceded him and he did not disappoint, healing both physical and spiritual wounds. Jesus fully engages in this diverse crowd and meets every need. I need to remember that Christ can deliver me from even my hardest predicaments and situations—he chooses to join me in addressing my needs.

Lord, thank you for choosing to show your love for us each day. Deliver us from our infirmities today. Amen.

Friday, February 18

Luke 6:22-26

A Safe Space

Most students I counsel have one core question: what does the future hold for me? As they plan classes and activities, balance finances, and find time for enjoyment, there is this great hope—that these choices will give them the life they really want. Sometimes they want a formula in Scripture and wise words of advice from godly mentors to help ensure the path they choose will be correct.

In these verses Jesus throws every student’s plans into turmoil. We do not know what the earthly future has in store, but Christ paints the picture of God, whose love defies balance sheets and formulas. In all seasons and in every circumstance, God exudes justice and love. We can count on him regardless of our condition; however, we cannot find a safe place without him at the center of it.

Dear Lord, today I will not rely on my condition or state for my security. Let me find my place in you alone. Amen.

Saturday, February 19

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

I Think They Get It

This generation of university students is often labeled in ways that are not flattering: lazy, selfish, entitled. Yet my experience with this group has shown me very much the opposite—I think this generation gets it. For campus ministry students, a core, nonnegotiable part of their spiritual lives includes serving others generously. As I sat with our student leaders and planned for the coming school year, they lamented how the past pandemic year made active service much harder. They were determined to make serving others generously a focal point of the coming year. This includes reaching out to fellow students, local churches and neighborhoods, and spring break mission trips. They have made this work a key part of their service to God, often to their own financial detriment. They are cheerful givers who get even more cheerful as they serve.

Lord, help me to be generous in ways that bring you glory. Let us not rest until we serve. Amen.

About the Author: Dave Nesburg

Grand Rapids, Michigan – I am a lifelong member of the Covenant Church (with a tiny bit of Minnesotan Lutheran thrown in!). I am a “graduated” camp director (25 years at Portage Lake Covenant Bible Camp in Onekama, Michigan) and currently serve as campus pastor at Grand Valley State University. As an enneagram 7, I seek adventure and fun wherever I can find it—currently that includes mountain biking, paddle boarding, ski patrolling, and being a “game on” grandfather of six.