Unafraid
Sunday, October 27
Psalm 91:1-9
Life can be hard. I am often reminded that it never goes the way you think it will. No one in history has been spared trial, pain, and sorrow—it’s part of the human condition. So what are we to make of this psalm and the promise of protection being offered to those who take refuge in God? Is this an invitation to live fearlessly if we make God our refuge?
Rather, I think it’s an invitation to live unafraid. To seek refuge at all implies that we are faced with something we cannot handle on our own. Some might say that God will not give us more than we can handle, but it’s natural to feel overwhelmed at times. If we could handle everything, when would we run to God for refuge?
God, help me to remember my lineage—the men and women of faith who came before me. Help me to remember their humanity and your faithfulness to them. I praise you for who you are and for your work in me.
God, help me to remember my lineage—the men and women of faith who came before me. Help me to remember their humanity and your faithfulness to them. I praise you for who you are and for your work in me. AMEN.
Foundation Of Faith
Monday, October 28
Job 42:1-6, 10-17
Job is almost a mythical character—a person who is tested and tempted through tremendous loss. I recall from seminary the question, “What is the difference between testing and temptation?” A test is intended to help us grow in faith. It is a refining. A temptation is intended to erode our faith and lead us away. To this point Job has been faithful—yet we all have our limits. Even Job came to a place where he questioned God.
Here is where Job demonstrates a deeper faith. He acknowledges his limited perspective. He repents of his pride after correction. Is this not faith in a nutshell? To recognize God is God and we are not? When we recognize this, we also recognize that all of life is a gift. The morning sunshine, the clouds in their majesty, the laughter of a baby, and more. From this posture of humility we can see that we have received blessing upon blessing.
God, thank you for never turning from me. Thank you for your patience and goodness even when I don’t see. Forgive me for times of unbelief. Let me remain humble before you this day. Amen.
The Consistent Character Of God
Tuesday, October 29
Psalm 126
The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. Have you heard that before? That is one reason Scripture is so important. In the Bible we learn the stories of the past. We see the humanity at play as Abram and Sarai laugh when they are told they will have a baby, when Moses feels anxious to speak, when Queen Esther advocates for her people, and when Mary, the mother of Jesus, sings in joy and anticipation.
In Scripture we also see how God delivers again and again. We learn about God’s nature and character.
That is why the psalmist calls upon the memory of former times. What God has done in the past, God can do again. If God can do it for people long ago, God certainly can do it for us.
God, I have such a short memory. I so easily forget the great things you have done. Help me to notice your goodness, your redemption, and the movement of your Spirit in the world. AMEN.
Always Enough
Wednesday, October 30
Hebrews 7:23-28
The death of Christ, however we understand the atonement, paid the price for our sin, for all who turn toward God seeking forgiveness.
When Jesus died on the cross, the sacrifice was forever binding. No more sacrifices needed, just trust and faith in him. We have a loving God who paved the perfect path, that through him we might have life abundantly. He did what we could not.
God is worthy of praise, of our magnification and honor. This kind of love shifts history and changes lives. We are free to live in relationship
and love with God our Creator. How does this truth shape how you love? How does it make a difference in the choices you make?
Jesus, thank you for standing in my place. You are worthy of praise, worthy of honor. I magnify your name! Help me to live differently and follow you more closely today. Amen.
Bold
Thursday, October 31
Mark 10:46-52
I grew up being very mindful of how I impacted others. Maybe you did too. “Don’t interrupt! Don’t take up too much space! Don’t create a scene! Don’t be needy!” We all have a line that feels uncomfortable to cross. We might call it the place where we start to feel self-conscious.
How desperate would you have to be to lay all embarrassment aside and to cry out for what you need? It’s hard enough for most people to simply acknowledge to themselves that they need help, let alone ask for it. Yet here is a person who knows their limitations and needs. More so this man is willing to cry out for help. He literally does not see the scowls or the looks of horror. He just knows he is desperate.
Are we so different in our need? What keeps us from crying out to God for help? Perhaps Bartimaeus saw more as a blind man than many see with perfect vision. Lord, give us vision to see our need and the courage to call to you.
God, I need you. I need you in ways I don’t even realize! Help me to always turn to you rather than distract myself or seek relief in unhealthy ways. Help me to be bold and call to you—for only you can meet my deepest needs. Amen.
Longing For Restoration
Friday, November 1
Jeremiah 31:7-9
In this modern era of politicization, most people feel the turmoil and stress of the division and turmoil in our culture. Neighbors become enemies, brothers and sisters cut off from each other, and children and parents strangers because of differing thoughts. Can we ever come together? Will there ever be peace?
The circumstances were different among the tribes of Israel, yet the burden the same. Scattered and disconnected. That is true not just of our politics today, but also of the Church. Without God, how can we come together? How can we be unified in Christ?
Let us seek God, call on the holy name, and ask to draw near. Let us not focus on the other to measure ourselves but follow God with single-minded faith. We cannot control others. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts.
Spirit, draw us back to you, to life together in unity and service, that we might be your people in this world. AMEN.
Loving Genius
Saturday, November 2
Psalm 8
Creation points to the genius of God. The variety, sophistication, and nuance of life point to a God of precision. The elemental forces of gravity, electromagnetism, strong, and weak forces hold our universe together. Even as scientists probe the expanse of the universe, they
also are discovering the building blocks of the atomic world.
Life is so much more complex than what we see. We can marvel at the truly incredible creativity and structure of it all. In the midst of such unimaginable intricacy and majesty, God made us. God cares about us and our lives. God cares about how we live and more, God wants to know us and for us to know God.
God, how do you notice us at all? How do you care? And how much more are we to you that the Son might come that we might have life! Amen.
