Category: Devotional

  • The Love of God

    The Love of God

    Come to the party. Come to the feast. Avail yourselves of all He offers. This is the God to whom we bring our prayers

    Many of us have prayed lifted for children distant from God and spouses not yet walking with Him. We might blame ourselves when your children don’t follow the Lord, but God isn’t in the blame-game. None of us are perfect, nor are we perfect parents. Deep-seated failure often weighs us down, sometimes hindering our relationship with God without our awareness.

    Take a moment to sit quietly and consider: Who is God to you? Picture Jesus, look into His eyes, and see His love there for you.

    Meditate on Psalm 139:

    O Lord, You have examined my heart 
                and know everything about me. 
    You know when I sit down or stand up. 
               You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. 
    You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. 
               You know everything I do. 
    You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. 

    You go before me and follow me. You place Your hand of blessing on my      head.  You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. 

    You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. 

                      Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. 

    How precious are Your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, You are still with me!  

    Reflect on this intimacy. God knows you intimately, every thought, every action. He was present in your mother’s womb, carefully forming you. His thoughts toward you are countless. This is the God who loves you deeply and personally. Consider how Jesus treated people in the Gospels – with love and compassion. Place yourself in those stories and imagine His kindness extended to you.

    Jesus told a powerful story of two lost sons and their father’s immeasurable love. The younger son, wanted independence, squandered his inheritance and ended up desperate, tending pigs. In that state he came to his senses, he realized the abundance and love in his father’s house. He recognized his foolishness and resolved to return home.

    The father, filled with love, watched for his son. “While he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming.” He didn’t wait; he ran, embraced him, and showered him with affection. He called for the finest robe, a ring symbolizing restored authority, and sandals marking him as a son. He ordered a lavish feast to celebrate his return.

    The older son, who had stayed home working, heard the celebration. Learning the reason, anger consumed him, and he refused to join. His father pleaded with him. The older son’s reply revealed a heart distant from the Father: “Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!”

    Notice his disrespect: “This son of yours.” He saw his brother as an outsider undeserving of grace. His obedience lacked love and joy; he lived like a slave, not understanding his inheritance as a beloved son. This mirrored the Pharisees Jesus addressed, who criticized His association with sinners.

    “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

    Many of us, like the older brother, have been in church for years yet fail to grasp God’s immense love and generosity. We might see Him as exacting, feeling unworthy and resenting others’ blessings. Criticizing others can mask our insecurities and distance from the Father’s heart. We miss the truth: “Everything I have is yours.”

    Today, the Father invites each of us: Come to the party. Come to the feast. Avail yourselves of all He offers. This is the God to whom we bring our prayers – a Father who welcomes us and rejoices in the return of His children. As John Newton wrote, 

    “Thou art coming to a King, large petitions with thee bring, for His grace and power are such none can ever ask too much.”

    Reflect:

    1. How do you see yourself in the younger or older son?
    2. Have you ever resented others’ blessings? How did that impact your relationship with God?
    3. Do you believe “everything” the Father has is yours? What hinders you from embracing this?
    4. How does understanding God as this loving Father change your prayers for distant loved ones?
    5. What one step can you take this week to embrace the “feast” the Father offers?

    Closing Prayer:

    Heavenly Father, thank You for the powerful reminder of Your unconditional love in the story of the two lost sons. We confess times we’ve wandered from You and times we’ve remained close yet distant in heart. Forgive us for doubting Your generosity and allowing resentment to grow. Help us truly grasp the depth of Your love, knowing all You have is ours in Christ Jesus. We lift our distant children and spouses to You, trusting Your compassionate heart to draw them home. May we watch with hope and celebrate their return. Strengthen our faith to believe no one is beyond Your reach. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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  • Who am I?

    Who am I?

    For those who follow Christ, our truest identity lies not in fleeting external realities but in our relationship with Him. The cross of Christ ushered in a new reality for us, granting us a new identity rooted in Him.

    “Who am I?” It’s a query that resonates deeply within each of us. Often, we mistakenly anchor our identity in external markers – possessions, social standing, or even past hurts. We might introduce ourselves by our struggles or perceived limitations, defining ourselves by what we lack or what has wounded us.

    However, for those who follow Christ, our truest identity lies not in these fleeting external realities but in our relationship with Him. The cross of Christ ushered in a new reality for us, granting us a new identity rooted in Him. While we may not yet fully grasp the fullness of this inheritance, our position in Christ is a gift laden with both privilege and responsibility.

    As John 10:10 reminds us, Jesus came to bring us abundant life, a stark contrast to the thief who seeks only to steal, kill, and destroy. Our possessions and worldly achievements do not define us; our identity emanates from within, established by the transformative act of Jesus’ sacrifice.

    Think of the old identification booklets – they contained the essential details of who a person was. Similarly, the Bible serves as the testament to our identity as followers of Jesus. Within its pages, our past is redeemed, our present is empowered, and our future is secured in Him.

    Yet, there is a constant battle for our minds. The adversary, skilled in deception, whispers lies of inadequacy and constantly parades our past failures before us. In these moments, we must stand firm and remind him of his ultimate defeat. Proverbs 23:7 wisely states, “For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” This aligns with Philippians 2:5-6, which encourages us to “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.”

    Consider the poignant story of the elephant calf. Bound by a rope, it learns a false limitation. Even when it possesses the physical strength to break free as a grown elephant, the ingrained belief of its inability holds it captive. Similarly, the enemy seeks to shackle us with limiting beliefs. But 2 Timothy 1:7 declares, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

    Ultimately, it is not the opinions of others that define us, but God’s perspective through the lens of Jesus. Some of us may identify with the man in Luke 5:17-24, paralyzed and unable to move forward until encountering Jesus. Jesus’ powerful words, “…Rise up and walk,” speak to the potential within us to break free from the paralysis of our past and step into the new life offered through the cross, as Romans 6:4 beautifully illustrates.

    Our Position in Christ:

    • I am a new creation, made in God’s image and dependent on Him. (Genesis 1:27; 2 Corinthians 5:17)
    • I am in Christ. (Ephesians 2:10)
    • I am justified. (Romans 8:33; Colossians 2:12)
    • I am adopted into God’s family. (Ephesians 1:5)
    • I am part of God’s royal priesthood. (1 Peter 2:9)
    • I am not yet perfected, but I am being transformed. (Philippians 3:12)
    • I am the head and not the tail, destined for progress, not regression. (Deuteronomy 28:13)

    Therefore, when we stumble, we rise, adjust our perspective, and continue our journey forward.

    Our Responsibility:

    Even as we live on earth, we are seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, granting us access to spiritual blessings and privileges (Ephesians 2:6). This elevated position carries responsibility:

    • To be witnesses of God’s love and grace. (Acts 1:8)
    • To serve others. (Mark 10:45)
    • To build up fellow believers. (Romans 14:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)
    • To be generous. (1 John 3:17; Galatians 6:2)
    • To pursue holiness. (1 Peter 1:16; 2 Peter 3:11)
    • To care for the vulnerable. (James 1:27)

    As 2 Corinthians 9:8 assures us, “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

    While understanding who we are is important, knowing whose we are is paramount. Let us hold onto these three key concepts:

    • Awareness: Be mindful that the world often offers counterfeit peace, a peace that only God can truly provide.
    • Contentment: Cultivate contentment in your present circumstances while simultaneously striving for growth in Christ.
    • Intention: Purposefully engage in the process of discovering and living out your identity in Jesus Christ.

    Reflect:

    1. In what areas of your life do you find yourself seeking validation from external sources rather than your identity in Christ?
    2. What past experiences or limiting beliefs continue to paralyze you from fully embracing the new life you have in Christ?
    3. Which aspect of your identity in Christ (as listed above) resonates most deeply with you right now, and how can you live more fully in that truth?
    4. How can you more intentionally step into the responsibilities that come with your identity in Christ, such as serving or being generous?
    5. Where do you need to acknowledge that you haven’t fully taken hold of the power you have in Christ Jesus? What specific aspect of your identity do you need to work on intentionally?

    Closing Prayer:

    Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of our identity in Christ Jesus. Forgive us for the times we have sought our worth in fleeting things and allowed the voices of the world and our past to define us. Help us to truly grasp the depth of Your love and the new creation we are in You. Empower us to walk in the fullness of our position, embracing both the privileges and the responsibilities that come with it. Strengthen us to resist the lies of the enemy and to fix our minds on the truth of who we are in You. May we grow in awareness, contentment, and intention, living lives that reflect Your glory. Amen.

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  • Resurrection Sunday

    Resurrection Sunday

    Jesus repositions us from a victim to a victor in my suffering, transforms my wounds into a witness and turns death into a doorway leading to eternal life.

    It’s a powerful thing to consider how Jesus’ resurrection reframes our understanding of life’s difficulties. Words like ‘suffering’, ‘woundedness’, and ‘death’ often bring feelings of oppression, hurt, and loss.

    However, the resurrection of Jesus offers a new perspective, turning these experiences into paths of redemption.

    Firstly, Suffering Doesn’t Define Me, It Refines Me.

    Like refining gold through intense heat to reveal its purity, our trials can purify our faith, building perseverance, character, and hope. Through Christ’s resurrection, our suffering can become a reflection of our risen Savior, moving us from victim to victor.

    Reflect:

    1. In what areas of your life do you currently feel defined by your suffering?
    2. Can you identify a time when a difficult experience ultimately led to personal growth or a deeper understanding of yourself or your faith?
    3. How might shifting your perspective from “why me?” to “what now?” change your approach to current challenges?
    4. What does it mean to you that your suffering can reflect the image of Christ?
    5. What is one small step you can take this week to view a current struggle as an opportunity for refinement rather than just a source of pain?

    Secondly, Wounds No Longer Need to Transmit Negativity to Others, but Can Be Transformed into a Witness.

    Jesus’ wounds led Thomas from doubt to faith. Similarly, our wounds can become testimonies to God’s presence and healing. We connect through vulnerability, and our stories of overcoming hardship can offer hope to others.

    Reflect:

    1. What are some of the “wounds” in your life – past or present – that you might be tempted to hide or feel ashamed of?
    2. Can you think of a time when someone else’s vulnerability or story of overcoming hardship resonated deeply with you?
    3. How might you begin to see your own experiences of woundedness as potential points of connection and witness to others?
    4. What does the idea of being a “wounded healer” mean to you?
    5. Who in your life might benefit from hearing a story of hope that has emerged from your own pain?

    Thirdly, Death Becomes a Doorway to Life, Not a Dead-End.

    The resurrection transforms death from a finality to a passage into eternal life. This understanding shifts our focus from solely earthly concerns to an eternal perspective, freeing us from the fear of death and empowering us to live intentionally.

    Reflect:

    1. How does the concept of death as a “doorway to life” impact your perspective on your current life?
    2. What are some of the “treasures” you are currently focused on accumulating in your life? Are these earthly or eternal?
    3. How does the resurrection challenge any fears you might have about death?
    4. What does it mean to you to “live with the end in mind”? How might this influence your daily choices?
    5. In what ways can you begin to prioritize “stockpiling treasure in heaven”?

    On this Easter Sunday, the invitation extended to us is profound: to believe in the transformative power of the resurrection in every aspect of our lives – our suffering, our wounds, and even in the face of death. Jesus’ question, “Do you believe this?” is a personal one, inviting each of us to embrace this new reality.

    closing prayer

    Heavenly Father, on this glorious Resurrection Sunday, we thank you for the victory over death through Jesus Christ. Help us to see our suffering as refinement, our wounds as witness, and death as a doorway to eternal life. Strengthen our belief in the power of the resurrection and empower us to live as victors, sharing hope with others. Amen.

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  • Living in the Shadow of the Cross

    Living in the Shadow of the Cross

    The life that brings true fulfillment is a cross-shaped life, a life of letting go, giving up our own way, and looking out for others, for those who are hurting and in need.

    The cry of Jesus, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” reveals a depth of abandonment we can scarcely fathom. This perfect unity of the Trinity fractured as He bore the weight of our sin. Utterly alone.

    Consider the journey to the cross: rejected by the crowds who once hailed Him, denied by Peter in a moment of fear, abandoned by His closest friends in Gethsemane, betrayed by Judas, one of His own. 

    Yet, in the midst of this, Jesus, knowing what lay ahead for each of them, knelt and washed their feet – an act of profound humility and service. “I have given you an example,” He said, “Do as I have done to you.”

    His suffering mirrors our own experiences of pain and brokenness. He understands our weaknesses. But His response was not one of retaliation or self-preservation. Instead, He offered a different way: the way of the towel, not the sword.

    We live in a fractured world, prone to conflict, selfishness, and fear. But in Christ, we are called to a different way of being, a “cross shaped life.” Our relationships become the proving ground of this transformation. Do we build walls with accusations and defensiveness, or do we kneel in humility, seeking to serve and understand?

    Jesus, though divine, embraced the lowest place, reversing the world’s power structures. We are called to the same attitude: humility, considering others before ourselves. This counter-intuitive path, the way of losing our life to find it, leads to true life and flourishing, both for ourselves and for those around us.

    A cross-shaped life is one where we are “there” for one another, attuned to the needs of those around us. It begins in our closest relationships, where we choose empathy over blame, appreciation over criticism, and vulnerability over defensiveness.

    The character of God, revealed in Christ, is cruciform. As we approach communion, let us examine what we hold in our hands: a sword of self-interest, or a towel of service? Let us lay down the former and take up the latter, allowing Jesus to guide us into a life shaped by the cross.

    Reflect:

    1. In what areas of your life do you find yourself more prone to picking up the “sword” rather than the “towel” in your interactions with others?
    2. Think of a recent situation where you felt rejected, abandoned, or betrayed. How might reflecting on Jesus’s experience in those moments offer you comfort or a new perspective?
    3. What is one practical way you can “take up the towel” in one of your relationships this week, demonstrating humility and service?
    4. Consider the “You never/You always” statements or defensiveness you might fall into. How can you replace these with more empathetic and understanding communication?
    5. What does living a “cross-shaped life” truly mean to you in your daily actions and choices?

    Closing Prayer:

    Heavenly Father, we thank you for the profound example of your Son, Jesus Christ. We are humbled as we reflect on His suffering, His love, and His radical act of service. Forgive us, Lord, for the times we have chosen the way of the sword, causing hurt and division. Grant us the grace and courage to lay down our pride and defensiveness, and to take up the towel of humility and service. Teach us what it means to truly live in the shadow of the cross, shaping our lives after the pattern of Christ’s selfless love. May we be instruments of reconciliation and grace in our homes, our communities, and the world. Amen.

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