by Patty Burchell

Sunday, February 20

Isaiah 55:10-13

God’s Promise

“So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it will not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it” (v. 11).

Early spring in western Alaska: The ground is snow-covered, and will be until May. Snow continues to fall, and in some places, just the tops of willow bushes are visible. Nights are long, yet there is the promise of what is to come. Days steadily lengthen, and there is the knowledge that good snow cover leads to a good berry season. Though we do not cultivate the soil, sow berry seeds, nor worry about watering the plants, we trust there will be an abundance of ripe berries covering the tundra 
in August.

God’s Word sometimes lies dormant, and we need to trust that in God’s timing, his promises will be fulfilled. Just as we can’t see what is happening under the snow, we often can’t see how God’s Word is impacting us or those around us. Rest assured, it will accomplish all God intends. And what is that? We shall be filled with joy and peace, and creation itself will sing for joy at what God’s Word has done.

Father, help me see with your eyes the things you are accomplishing through your Word in me and those around me. Amen.

Monday, February 21

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

What’s Your Elevator Speech?

We have become a society that thrives on sound bites. Don’t bore with me with the details, just give it to me in 280 characters or less. In the business world, a 30-second pitch is called an elevator speech. But getting your message across in the time it takes to ride the elevator to your floor can leave little time to share the most important information.

The gospel is simple yet complex. How would you condense the good news of the gospel into a 30- to 60-second sound bite? Paul gives us a great example. He states the facts of Jesus’s death and resurrection, then explains how this impacted his own life. Short, sweet, and to the point. The gospel deserves much more than 30-seconds. However, if you have limited time to share the hope of the gospel with someone, a well-thought-out elevator speech might lead to more in-depth conversations.

Lord Jesus, help me to be aware of those around me who need their curiosity piqued by the power of the gospel presented in a few words. Give me the courage to speak those words. Amen.

Tuesday, February 22

1 Corinthians 15:12-20

Resurrection Is Key

“In your name I come alive / to declare your victory. / The resurrected King, is resurrecting me.” These words from the song “Resurrecting,” by Elevation Worship, remind us of this important truth: As Christians, we tend to focus on the cross and what Jesus did there. Our sins were nailed to the cross. The only way to mend our broken relationship with God was for Jesus to die on the cross.

This is true and wonderful news. But we miss the point if we stop there. The best news is not that Jesus went to the cross, but that he rose again. Anyone could have said they were dying for our sins, but the fact that Jesus was raised from the dead seals the victory! The resurrection proves Jesus was telling the truth and that he is God. The hope of the gospel is not that Jesus died, but that he was raised! Because Christ rose, all the promises of Scripture are fulfilled.

Jesus, I desire to live in the reality of the resurrection, assured of your victory over sin and death, living with the promise of life forever with you. Amen.

Wednesday, February 23

1 Corinthians 15:35-50

We Shall Be Changed

For several years, I taught at a residential outdoor school in California. Sixth grade classes came throughout the school year for a week of science camp. Each week, we took the students on a field trip to a grove of giant sequoias. One of my joys was picking up a small cone, tapping out an even smaller seed, and showing the students that this seed, the size of an oatmeal flake, would become the towering giant of a tree they were standing next to.

God is in the business of making us totally “other.” When we choose to follow Christ here on earth, the Holy Spirit works within us, changing us from the inside out to reflect more and more of Christ’s character. When we die, our bodies will be changed yet again to something we can’t even imagine. I do know, though, that it will be perfect, and just what God had in mind for me from the beginning of time.

Father, thank you that you are in the business of change. Allow me to allow your Holy Spirit to work in my life, making me more like you. Amen.

Thursday, February 24

1 Corinthians 15:51-58

Your Work Is Not in Vain

While most junior high kids were reading romance novels or adventure stories, I was reading missionary biographies. The stories of lives spent in service to God fascinated me. On a youth backpacking trip, I promised God I would be a missionary and go where he sent me. After college, I spent ten years trying to go somewhere else in the world to “do great things for God.” Teaching school in a small community was not my idea of a glamorous life of missionary service. It took a while, but I finally realized the truth of the words in 1 Corinthians 15:58.

Realizing that missions was a lifestyle and not a location freed me to serve God wholeheartedly wherever I was and to stop looking for someplace “better.” Because of the resurrection and the promise of eternal life, we can indeed have confidence that all we do in service to God is of value. In God’s economy, seemingly mundane tasks may one day change the world.

Thank you, Lord, for the opportunities you give me each day for service. Amen.

Friday, February 25

Psalm 37:1-6

When Life Is Not Fair

Many things are wrongs in this world, ranging from small inequities to large perversions of justice. Sometimes we look at others and wonder why they have what we want. We see people get away with shameful, even illegal behavior and wonder why they are not punished. It all boils down to that cliche “life is not fair,” even though we wish it were.

We have an innate sense of fairness because our God is a just God. And yet we live in a fallen world, where fairness and justice are often not visible. How do we reconcile this? While working for fairness and justice wherever we are, as much as we can, we also trust that God has it all under control. Following Jesus often means choosing not to fret and worry when we are wronged, but to give our concerns to him. We trust God and take delight in him. Focusing on Jesus gives us his perspective and may just change ours.

Jesus, I want to see the world through your eyes, even as I know some things will not be put right until you make all things new. Help me trust your timing. Amen.

Saturday, February 26

Psalm 37:7-11

Be Still and Wait Patiently

So many times I rush into doing something instead of waiting and seeking God. Often when I blunder ahead, it is just that—blundering. When I wait, sometimes God gives me the go-ahead to act. Other times, he lets me know this is not my battle to fight, and I need to do nothing, but instead be in God’s presence, trusting him to take care of the situation in his way and his time.

Waiting is not inaction. It is an acknowledgment that God is bigger than we are, that he knows all sides of a situation, and when the time is right, he will give us the words to say or the thing to do. Even when God is silent, we have faith that God has it all under control. God’s promises are true. He will have the final word. In the end, all will be right with the world.

Father, thank you that you are bigger than any situation I find myself in. Give me the patience I need to wait on you. Amen.

About the Author: Patty Burchell

Nome, Alaska – Only God could have known a schoolteacher from California would become the general manager of a radio station in Nome, Alaska. It never ceases to humble and amaze me, but where God calls, he equips, and I am blessed to be in my fifth year as manager of the Covenant radio station, KICY. When I’m not at the studio, you can find me hiking with my dog in all seasons on the tundra or beach, leading worship at Nome Covenant Church, devouring an excellent work of children’s or young adult literature, quilting, or enjoying the company of friends who have become family in this small, remote town at the edge of the world.