Jesus Loves Even The “Ickies”
SUNDAY, July 26
Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24
Psalm 139 tells of the “omni-ness” of God: omnipresence, omniscience, omnipotence. The psalmist describes how God knows us inside and out. While these attributes can offer comfort, they can also feel unsettling. If God fully knows me, he knows not only the good parts but also the not-so-good parts, such as my anger, envy, greed—all the icky stuff.
I remember clearly the night I accepted Christ. I had heard about Jesus and his love, but I couldn’t believe that he could love me as I was. I was too “icky.” That night I was holding my newborn daughter. I looked at her beautiful face and told her, “No matter who you become, no matter what you do or say, I will always love you.”
And immediately I understood. Jesus was saying the same thing to me. He knows my faults. He knows my many sins. He knows the words in my heart and mind. And he loves me. What a comfort I felt that night more than forty years ago and continue to feel to this day.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for your love and acceptance. And thank you for the promise of how you will “see if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (v. 24, NIV). Amen.
Tithing Is Worship
Monday, July 27
Genesis 28:10-22
Jacob awakens after dreaming about a heavenly stairway and hearing God’s promise to care for him and all his descendants. In return, Jacob promises to give God a tenth of all God gives him—a tithe. Not leftovers, but the first and best. It became a way to worship God by offering some of what he has blessed us with.
The Israelites tithed to support the Levites, the tribe who took care of the temple and had no land of their own. Today we tithe to support our church. My husband and I didn’t always tithe. Our excuse was that we had bills to pay. I realized that we were paying more interest to banks than we gave to God. The Spirit said, “You should change that.” So we cut our spending to pay off bills and each month came closer to tithing faithfully. Tithing is not a practice for after the bills are paid or our wants are purchased. Our tithes are our “first fruits,” given back to God.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the blessings you give us, both physical and spiritual. Please accept in return our tithes and our love. Amen.
God’s Promise: Do Not Fear
Tuesday, July 28
Isaiah 44:6-8
The people of Isaiah’s day had much to fear: the spread of diseases, crop failures, uncertain weather, and untimely deaths, to name a few. Today we have greater scientific understanding of how diseases spread, how to keep crops from failing, and we are often warned about dangerous weather in time to take cover. Does this understanding ease our fears? Not always.
In today’s reading we are told by God not to “tremble” or “be afraid” (v. 8, NIV). God is all-powerful and nothing and no one compares to him. Yes, he creates and can also destroy. But we are not to fear. He is our rock. He has always been and will always be. We can rest in that promise. What more do we need to know in today’s world of confusion, anxiety, and worry? No matter what happens, he will be with us. We can rest in that knowledge and in his love.
Prayer
Lord, we still fear. Remind us that you are the Alpha and Omega and that you are with us. Teach us to trust you. amen.
God’s Unconditional Love
Wednesday, July 29
Romans 8:12-17
“The Spirit you received doesn’t make you slaves, so that you live in fear again. Instead, the Holy Spirit you received made you God’s adopted child” (v. 15, NIRV). This verse is comforting. We are God’s children, and like a good parent, God loves us as his children. And like a good parent, God tells us (through the Spirit) how we are to live, especially when we call out to him, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit leads us to obedience not through fear but through love and life.
For many people who grew up in dysfunctional families, as I did, this idea of love without fear or conditions can be difficult to grasp. For years I saw God waiting to judge me with a list of conditions I needed to fulfill. But as the song popularized by Chris Tomlin states, God is our “good, good Father.” Once I understood God’s unconditional love for me (and all humanity), something shifted and God’s acceptance healed my soul. In return, I want to do my best for him, to learn how to share his unconditional love with others.
Prayer
Abba Father, lead us to those who need to hear of your love, that they too may know your adoption. Amen.
We Shall Be Released
Thursday, July 30
Romans 8: 18-25
Being adopted children of God does not mean we live a life of flowers and butterflies. We still get sick, lose jobs or homes, suffer through divorce, suffer the death of loved ones—and we still die. What sets followers of Christ apart is the knowledge that glory is on its way. We join the prisoner in Bob Dylan’s song “I Shall Be Released” as he sings, “I see my light come shining / From the west unto the east. / Any day now, any day now, / I shall be released.”
The waiting isn’t easy. It requires patience and a willingness to see beyond the present turmoil in our fallen world—personal, familial, or national. It takes the ability to believe that what awaits us in our resurrected bodies will be more glorious than anyone can imagine. Until then we pray, “Come, Lord Jesus, come.”
Prayer
Lord Jesus, we know your promises are true. We pray you will return soon to right all that is wrong in this world. Amen.
Shallow Roots
Friday, July 31
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Occasionally on a walk through the woods, I’ll come across a tree growing on top of a rock or out the side of a rock face. The trees in my area—pine, oak, and fir—have evolved to have a shallow root system, which allows them to grab hold of a rock face, thick bark to protect them from environmental stressors, and the ability to absorb moisture from the air. Their ability to grow in what seems to be nothing but rock (with a small amount of soil) is awe-inspiring.
When I see one of these trees, I often think of the parable of the sower in today’s reading. Jesus says seeds that fall on shallow soil spring up quickly but wither away. When I come to a part of life where the soil seems too rocky, I pray for deeper roots to remain established in God’s word and love until I am planted in good soil.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for parables that help us understand your word
more deeply. Amen.
Juniper And Myrtle
Saturday, August 1
Isaiah 55:10-13
In today’s passage Isaiah speaks of how the return of the people of God to Israel will cause nature to sing and clap. “[M]ountains and hills will burst into song” (v. 12, NIV), and “Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper and instead of briers the myrtle will grow” (v. 13). These celebrations are not only for the exiles returning home. Verse 13 continues, “This will be for the Lord‘s renown.” Those who held the Israelites in bondage will see the power of the Lord as he frees his people and brings them home.
Why juniper and myrtle? Juniper is used to flavor foods but also symbolizes safety and sustenance. Myrtle is a symbol of peace, God’s blessings, and prosperity. Isaiah uses these plants to describe how the people of God will no longer be trapped by their oppressors but instead will find safety and comfort in God and live free in their own land. Who could witness this and not burst into song or clap their hands?
Prayer
Lord God, help us remember the safety, peace, and prosperity you provide, and may we respond with joy and praise. Amen.
