Meditate And Obey
Sunday, October 19
Psalm 119:97-104
If you have ever been to a yoga class, the instructor has directed you to concentrate on your breathing. As you hold poses, if you are not breathing, you often fall out. The psalmist declares a love for the law of the Lord. This love makes us wise, enabling us to obey and to avoid evil paths. Just as concentrating on our breath increases our awareness of our physical bodies, meditating on Scripture heightens our awareness of the presence of God’s Word within us.
Try reading this passage several times slowly, contemplating what speaks to you and revisiting it throughout the day.
What do you love?
(Inspired by The Message paraphrased.) Lord, I love all that you have revealed. Thank you for your words that are always with me. Bring them to my remembrance throughout the day, helping me understand and follow your ways. Your words are so sweet. Amen.
Contract Versus Covenant
Monday, October 20
Jeremiah 31:27-34
When my dear friend and I entered into business together, we had a legal contract drawn up. Although we loved each other, the signed document protected us from inevitable human sinfulness. However, contracts can be broken, making separation slower and more costly.
Rather than a contract, God made a new covenant with his people. A covenant is a promise, a relational commitment. Today’s passage says, “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts…they will all know me, from the least to the greatest….I will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more” (vv. 33–34, NIV). This is more than business; it’s personal. Knowing God intimately through his words creates everlasting trust. He is faithful, and nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. How do you see God? How do you think God sees you?
(Inspired by The Message paraphrased.) Lord, I am grateful that you stick with me as I build and plant. Thank you for putting your words within my heart and mind. You know me and I get to know you firsthand! I praise you for the new covenant that wipes my slate clean and endures forever. Amen.
Power Of Persistence
Tuesday, October 21
Luke 18:1-8
When I was a child, my dad said I had a one-track mind. If I had an idea, I would obsess about it. I would keep bringing it up until I wore him down. In today’s passage Jesus tells his followers a parable of a persistent widow who kept coming to a godless judge for justice. Even though he refused, she kept bothering him. He finally gives in out of fear of being attacked! This was “to show them they should always pray and not give up” (v. 1, NIV). Jesus says, “Will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?” (vv. 7–8).
Faith is what gives us the endurance to come to our Father again and again. It may seem like vain repetition, it may feel annoying at times, and God’s answers may not come as fast as we would like. Yet we continue in hope. Where are you growing weary?
Lord, I ask for a measure of faith that cries out without ceasing until you bring justice. I pray for the poor, the widow, the stranger, and the prisoner. Set the captives free. Help me not to relent until your will is done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Anger In Action
Wednesday, October 22
Luke 19:45-48
The story of Jesus cleansing the temple is found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. His righteous anger about turning the house of prayer into a den of robbers is on full display as he flips over tables.
A friend of mine struggles with this passage. The Bible warns us to be angry but not to sin. Does it seem like Jesus has lost self-control and is throwing a fit in this scene?
Here we see that righteous anger leads to action. When the chief priests were trying to kill Jesus, they couldn’t find a way because all the people hung on his words (v. 48). Perhaps the people clung to him because he fought for purity. Anger reveals injustice.
What makes you angry?
Father, when I get angry, let it lead to action, not sin. Give me the courage to express anger over what angers you. I hang on to your every word today. Amen.
Qualified
Thursday, October 23
2 Timothy 2:1-7
The apostle Paul writes to young Timothy about what makes us qualified. First and foremost, it is the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Without this grace, wisdom gained with age and hard work is limited to our frail humanity. Yet when we experience God’s grace, we have the strength to join in Christ’s suffering.
As we reflect on his words, he qualifies us to teach others. Like salvation, it is by grace, not works. We study and suffer because we have received grace, not striving to earn acceptance. As a woman in ministry, I often feel like I need to prove I deserve a seat at the table, yet by amazing grace alone that God pulls out my chair and invites me to his feast.
What are you qualified to do?
Lord, help me remember that by laying down your life, you have qualified me. It is not in my own strength or for my glory. Thank you that I get to join in your suffering. Amen.
Don’t Be A Jerk
Friday, October 24
2 Timothy 2:22-26
Pursuing righteousness, faith, and love is not just for our own good, but for the sake of others. I don’t like to admit it, but I don’t always call on the Lord out of a pure heart. I have selfish and prideful desires that continually need to be put to death. In my woundedness, I can be quarrelsome, harsh, and resentful.
Yet this passage reminds us, as servants of the Lord, to be kind and to provide gentle instruction, just as the Lord has done for us. The ability to teach involves receptiveness, and we put our hope in God, the only one who can grant repentance, bring us to our senses, and set us free!
Have you tried being softer?
Lord, thank you for your kindness and gentleness as you bring me to repentance. I ask you to give me a pure heart and the ability to teach your truth so that captives will be set free. Amen.
God-Breathed
Saturday, October 25
2 Timothy 3:12-4:5
Some people joke that the Bible needs a better PR person. In today’s passage the apostle Paul writes, “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (v. 12). In North America we tend to face more low-key persecution, usually along relational grounds. I am not saying this is not hard, but our life is usually not at stake.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and useful” (v. 16). Since the time of Jesus’s first followers, believers have been willing to lay down their lives for the Word, teaching, rebuking, training, and equipping the church for every good work. With great patience and careful instruction, we are prepared to preach the Word, to correct, and to encourage. This can feel like a tall order, but what you are doing right now by reading the Word and praying can help prepare you to keep your head in all situations and to endure hardship.
Do you believe in a god, or in the sacrificial God of the Bible?
Lord, thank you for preparing me with the good news of your Word to say what needs to be said in every situation. Help me to endure hardship until all things are made new. Amen.
