Seeking The Presence Of God
Sunday, October 26
Psalm 84:1-7
Our culture instructs us to find happiness in entertainment, sensual pleasures, and even chemicals. But this all comes at a cost. Isolation in front of screens leads to loneliness. Pursuing pleasure often harms us relationally, financially, or spiritually. Some chase fantasies, many overeat, others abuse drugs or alcohol. This only leads to misery. As Christians we have a better answer. Believers find joy in the very presence of the living God. “How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts” (v. 1, NRSV).
In God’s presence, we discover a home and a place of worship. The Valley of Baca (v. 6) is a reference to hardship and sorrow, and even amid our struggles we find strength and happiness as we draw close to God. Dear friend, set your heart on God alone. Embrace the joy of revived faith. Delight as God’s Spirit guides you to springs of living water (John 7:38; Revelation 7:16–17)
Lord, lead us into your presence. Show us the way that we should go. Amen.
Sometimes It Only Takes One Sentence
Monday, October 27
Jeremiah 29:11-14
Sometimes we just start with one line of theology: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). My father used to deliver 1970s one-liners as advice to help me navigate life: “Work hard.” “Don’t make me come back there” (to the backseat of the car). How to win an argument with your wife? “Yes, dear.”
Encouraging Scripture comes in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes a whole book (Gospel of John), a chapter (Philippians 4), a story (Jesus raises Lazurus from the dead), or just a single sentence. The exile was a very dark time, then, “When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart” (v. 13, NRSV). That is a glorious promise of faith. We cannot direct the Spirit of God, but we do know his plans. The Lord promises, “When you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you” (v. 12).
Lord, I need you. (Repeat it ten times.) Amen.
God Pours Out His Spirit
Tuesday, October 28
Joel 2:23-28
This passage about the Lord’s provision should be read in context of the whole book of Joel. The great and terrible “Day of the Lord” mentioned throughout Joel 2 comes as a powerful army of locusts, leading to darkness, destruction, and despair. We are called to lament, fast, and cry out to the Lord (Joel 1:13–14; 2:12–13). We are to “rend our hearts” and return to the Lord who is gracious and merciful. We rejoice as he repays us for the difficult years.
Some of us have endured terrible times. Pain, poverty, hardship, or loss. Perhaps adversity has robbed us. Yet who tells the Lord how to do his work? No one. God leads in ways that may be difficult to understand. Whatever you have endured—struggles with parenting, health, or finances—how has the Lord’s Spirit helped you in your hard times?
We know that God blesses his people and pours out his Spirit with love and provision. Let’s tell that story!
Dear Lord, pour out your Spirit upon us! Amen.
The Arrogance Of Labels
Wednesday, October 29
Luke 18:9-14
Jesus’s story of the two men who went to the temple to pray is full of harmful labels. The crowd knew what to expect of each man. Yet, as he typically does, Jesus reverses the story and gives us a glimpse into arrogance. The Pharisee was judging others at the very same moment he was praying to God, saying, “Look at how good I am!” The labels we use expose our dark hearts. Jesus is shining a light on what may have looked like piety to his listeners.
While driving through our church camp one day, I yelled out the window at a group of friends who were blocking the way, “Get out of the way, you lazy bums!” When they didn’t respond, my wife commented, “They are on a silent prayer walk.” Ouch. Jesus draws our attention to the humble heart of the tax collector. Aware of his shortcomings, standing in the back, eyes to the ground, he pleads for God’s mercy. One label that is accurate is, “Me, the sinner.”
O Lord, forgive me for judging others. Amen.
Jesus Blesses The Lowest
Thursday, October 30
Luke 18:15-17
My wife and I lived in Bogotá, Colombia, as short-term missionaries with the Covenant. When we traveled in the city, the busy streets were full of people boarding buses, buying and selling items. The streets were crowded. Children were asking anyone who passed by for help. Sometimes strangers would reach out to touch our children’s blond hair. The whole scene felt chaotic and unfamiliar to us.
Perhaps that is why the disciples objected to the commotion of people asking Jesus to touch their children. Perhaps they were thinking, “Let Jesus pass—he has more important things to do. Get away!” But Jesus responded, “Let them come to me. The kingdom of God belongs to people like these.” Time after time, Jesus notices the needy people. Lepers, the sick, the poor, the young, and the judged. Then Jesus blesses the castoffs and adds, “You are this desperate too.”
Lord, give me your heart for the least of these Amen.
Jesus Heals A Blind Man
Friday, October 31
Luke 18:35-43
Jesus and his healing power is the center of most stories. Here, Jesus attends to a desperate man, speaks to him, and immediately heals him. Everyone who witnessed this interaction praised God!
All sorts of people requested Jesus’s attention. We do not know the man’s name, age, or how long he had been without sight. All we know is he was the loud mouth on the side of the road whom the privileged people in front wanted to silence.
Who is that person in your life, desperate for the mercy of God? Our determined friend knew about Jesus, Son of David. He knew Jesus was his only chance to see again. So he shouted repeatedly. We cannot predict how the Spirit of God moves. We cannot schedule an appointment or negotiate our own terms. We just call out for mercy any chance we get close to Jesus. Seek him urgently today!
Lord, I too need to be made well. Have mercy on me. Amen.
Thanksgiving Comes In November?
Saturday, November 1
Psalm 65
This month we in the United States celebrate our national holiday of Thanksgiving. But it was not always that way. In the mid-1840s, states celebrated on different dates, and some did not mark the holiday at all. It took Sarah Josepha Hale, who was widowed at thirty-four, the publisher of “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” and one of the most influential female authors in our nation’s history to forge the national holiday. Hale wrote unsuccessfully for seventeen years until she finally persuaded Abraham Lincoln to declare a national holiday of thanks. While the holiday may have helped the country during the Civil War, we must acknowledge the harm done to Native peoples, whom we have historically ignored. Love for others means doing no harm.
We have much to be thankful for. God answers our prayers. He forgives our sins. He silences the turmoil. He provides the rain, the grain, the flocks, and the bounty of the earth. “[You are] the hope of all the ends of the earth” (v. 5, NIV). Yes, indeed, children of God, sing to the Lord, the giver of joy!
Dear Lord, satisfy us with your goodness, deliver us in hope of your salvation. Amen.
