January 2019 – Daily Devo Time

Daily Devotional for January 31, 2019 – Are you attached to the Vine?

John 15:5-8
“I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

Yesterday, I passed by my mother’s house, and there was a huge pile of branches near the street. Upon further examination, I realized that a tree-trimming company had been there to lop off maple tree branches that had grown dangerously near overhead power lines at the edge of the property. I’ve seen this tree-trimming crew working all over our town to make the neighborhoods safe from limbs that could damage power lines and cause an outage.

As I read this familiar passage from John 15, I thought about all of those branches at the edge of my mother’s yard. They are still maple wood. But separated from the tree, they will not continue to grow and bear leaves. In fact, they are destined to dry out, and become brittle. The branches are dead…they cannot be reattached to the tree. Most likely, city workers will grind them into mulch.

Jesus tells us that He is the “Vine”…and we are the branches. All sorts of things can separate us from Him…sin of all kinds, lack of communication and time spent in His presence, an arrogant attitude that we can manage on our own, and in some cases…downright rejection or renouncement of Jesus.

The effect is very much like that of the tree-trimmers who came through and lopped off the maple branches in a matter of minutes. We still consider ourselves Christians…but we become dry, brittle, and incapable of producing “fruit”. We wither and fade – and often grow bitter and disheartened. We certainly do not do much to reflect the teachings of Jesus…and to motivate others to follow Christ for themselves.

The GOOD NEWS is that, unlike actual tree branches, we can be “re-attached”. Jesus is ready, willing and able to embrace us and nurture us to full restoration as His “branches”. He is waiting for us to realize that we need Him…and to cultivate an intimate relationship of dependence upon His power, love and care. When we call on Jesus to be present in our life and fill us with life-giving sustenance that only He can provide, we are nurtured with abundance. We are alive…we are filled…and we thrive in Christ’s presence.

I know that the trimming of the trees is necessary. Scripture also tells us that God “prunes” us at times by allowing us to “go through some stuff” in order to rely on Him more consistently and fully. But I also know that it is an honor and a privilege to be a “branch” for the “Vine”…and when I am fully “attached” and engaged with Him, my every need is always met – and then some!

Where are you today? Are you a branch who is firmly attached to the Vine? Or are you getting in the way of “Power” lines…and destined for the brush heap? Isn’t it time to take the necessary steps to ensure that you are fully attached…and that the life-giving nurture and care of your Master is flowing through you every minute of the day? Will this be the day that you do whatever is needed to make this happen? Don’t you think it should be?

Daily Devotional for January 30, 2019 – Do you have Jesus’ “parting Gift”?

John 14:25-27
“I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

There have been times in the last few years when “life” has almost taken me to my knees. There have been some “gut punches” and heartaches…and at the time, I wondered how I would survive them. I bet you’ve had them, too. I remember telling my mother during one incident that I could not explain the almost numbing calm that came over me. When Mother was diagnosed with late stage ovarian cancer, I recall telling my cousin…“I am eerily calm.” How does one feel well and whole – and have peace – when the world is crumbling around him/her?

My mother had the answer. She flatly told me, “That is God shielding you, through the Holy Spirit.” And I know that she was right. I feel Him reminding me of Jesus, saying, “Look what Jesus did…you can do this!” I hear the Holy Spirit tell me, “Jesus showed you what to do…how to love the unlovely and offer grace and mercy to them even when your heart is breaking.” I see evidence of the Holy Spirit gently carrying me when I am bone weary. He fills me with the courage to keep going when the devil puts all sorts of obstacles in my path.

I wonder how people survive without the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. How do they make it without His peace? I cannot even imagine it now…and I am so grateful that I don’t have to do so! What about you? Have you received this amazing “parting gift” from Jesus? Have you not only surrendered your heart – and your sins – to Him…have you invited the Holy Spirit to dwell in your heart and be your Forever Friend, as well?

Don’t you want to be well and whole? Don’t you want to know that no matter what Satan and the world throw at you, the Holy Spirit will help you get through it with grace, dignity, and peace? Don’t you want to have “the peace that passes all understanding”…and the confidence that you never have to handle a single thing on your own? Don’t you want inexplicable calm in the face of adversity and the indescribable joy that comes from settling once and for all Whose you are?

Don’t you want the gift of a Forever Friend to walk and talk with you about anything and everything…to be an ever-present companion and Comforter? The Holy Spirit is 100% available to all who welcome Him into their hearts…and you can be one of them…here, today, NOW! This Gift is yours for the taking. Are you ready to walk in the continual blessing of Christ’s peace in all things? All you have to do is say, “Come, Holy Spirit”…and mean it! What are you waiting for?

Daily Devotional for January 29, 2019 – Getting to know the Holy Spirit…are you even looking for Him?

John 14:15-21
“If you love me, obey me; and I will ask the Father and he will give you another Comforter, and he will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, for it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you do, for he lives with you now and some day shall be in you.

No, I will not abandon you or leave you as orphans in the storm—I will come to you. In just a little while I will be gone from the world, but I will still be present with you. For I will live again—and you will too. When I come back to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.

The one who obeys me is the one who loves me; and because he loves me, my Father will love him; and I will too, and I will reveal myself to him.”

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

I distinctly remember talking one day with two sisters who were relating a powerful and moving experience in their lives. One of them was saying, “I cannot explain what happened…it was just incredible how everything came together perfectly.” The other sister gestured and whispered with a knowing wink, “It was the Holy Spirit.” One sister knew Him. It was pretty clear that the other did not. One sister operated with peace and calm…and a sense that Someone else was in control of her life. The other operated in “organized chaos” – and often with great angst and agitation. At the risk of you thinking I am judging…I venture to speculate that one of these women knew the Holy Spirit intimately. Not only had the other not acknowledged Him…I am not sure that she was even looking.

I read this passage from John 14 several times, and what stuck out today was this sentence…”The world at large cannot receive him [the Holy Spirit], for it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him.” I thought about many of the people I know, and I considered how each one handles similar circumstances. What is the reaction and response to “bad” news? How do these people respond to everyday situations…major crises…triumphs and victories…and setbacks and defeats? How do they approach illness, injury, and death? What is their reaction to everything from a major heartache to the most basic activities of daily living?

I could easily list several people who at least appear to me to have failed to recognize the Holy Spirit and His power to be their Comforter and Leader every single day. I could also list many people who clearly demonstrate that the Holy Spirit is front and center in their daily living – and they are better because of it. While I want to grab those who are in the former camp by the shoulders and beg and plead with them to take the simple, but crucial step of inviting the Holy Spirit to dwell continually in their hearts and minds…this is not how it works.

Each of us has to come to a point where we are ready and willing to fully surrender to the Holy Spirit. I know I surely did. But others cannot accept the Comforter if they don’t even know who He is. And this is where you and I come into the picture. We must live in a way that shows people in our midst the power and peace of having the Holy Spirit with us each minute of the day. We have to cause them to ask the question…“How does he/she do it?” And the answer has to be…”By the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Maybe you are one of those who still has not fully embraced the Holy Spirit. I would ask you today…”What’s keeping you?” Because for most of us, it comes down to an issue of surrender…primarily a release of our will for His. We must be willing to communicate with the Holy Spirit…and listen to Him. We must be willing to faithfully obey when we hear this “Inner Voice” tell us, “This is what I want you to do,” or “That is not the way to go!”

Until you become fully acquainted with the Holy Spirit for yourself – and invite Him to dwell in your heart – you cannot share Him with others. My prayer is that you seek Him…and that you would fully surrender and receive Him into your own heart. Then get busy living in His abundance, so that others can recognize His manifestation and say, “I want this wisdom and peace for myself.” Are you with me?

Daily Devotional for January 28, 2019 – Are you “singing the wondrous story”?

John 14:5-14
Thomas said, “Lord, we don’t even know where you are going! How can we know the way?”

“I am the way, the truth, and the life!” Jesus answered. “Without me, no one can go to the Father. If you had known me, you would have known the Father. But from now on, you do know him, and you have seen him.”

Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father. That is all we need.”

Jesus replied:
Philip, I have been with you for a long time. Don’t you know who I am? If you have seen me, you have seen the Father. How can you ask me to show you the Father? Don’t you believe that I am one with the Father and that the Father is one with me? What I say isn’t said on my own. The Father who lives in me does these things.

Have faith in me when I say that the Father is one with me and that I am one with the Father. Or else have faith in me simply because of the things I do. I tell you for certain that if you have faith in me, you will do the same things that I am doing. You will do even greater things, now that I am going back to the Father. Ask me, and I will do whatever you ask. This way the Son will bring honor to the Father. I will do whatever you ask me to do.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

“…have faith in me simply because of the things I do.”

As I read John 14:5-14, this phrase stuck out to me. I’ve told you before that when I review my prayer journals, I check off dozens of answered petitions. Over and over, Jesus “makes good” on His promises and demonstrates His power, love, care, grace and mercy.

This morning God led me to an old hymn, “I Will Sing the Wondrous Story”…written in 1886 by Francis H. Rowley. Contemporary Christian singer Sandi Patty has produced a version* of this song that I find particularly powerful. If you get a chance, follow the link at the end of this devotional and listen for yourself.

In this hymn, Rowley speaks of how Jesus has done such great things and was always with him…how Christ never gave up on him. He acknowledges that we sometimes doubt and lack sufficient faith…but Jesus is still with us and hears our prayers. And because of Jesus’ faithfulness, Rowley is able to “sing the wondrous story” and share the love of Christ with others.

Evidence of the authenticity and steadfastness of Jesus is all around us. Stop and think about the last seven days. Take note of the ways that Christ answered your prayers and demonstrated His love and care in your life and the lives of others. From getting you safely from Point A to Point B and back to healing you of an illness or injury to restoring relationships and more…Jesus is in the continual business of giving us reasons to trust Him and share His gospel with others.

This scripture passage in John 14 is rich with information and instruction for us. When Philip asks Jesus to show him the Father, Jesus asks, “Don’t you know who I am?” This is a good question for us today…”Do we really know who Jesus is?” Do we know the “wondrous story” – and live it daily? Do we trust Jesus completely, and recognize the great things He is constantly doing in our lives?

Every one of us will falter and wonder at some point. But we must not linger there. We must do whatever it takes to remind ourselves of Jesus’ continual efforts on our behalf. We must truly get to know Him, so that there is no doubt of Who He is or how much He loves us.

Have you seen the Father, because you have seen the work of Jesus? How well do you really know your Master? Isn’t it time to settle this question, once and for all? Will this be the day that you do?<

I Will Sing the Wondrous Story
Francis H. Rowley – 1886 ~ now public domain

I will sing the wondrous story
Of the Christ who died for me.
How He left His home in glory
For the cross of Calvary

I was lost, but Jesus found me,
Found the sheep that went astray,
Threw His loving arms around me,
Drew me back into His way.

I was bruised, but Jesus healed me,
Faint was I from many a fall,
Sight was gone, and fears possessed me,
But He freed me from them all.

Days of darkness still come o’er me,
Sorrow’s path I often tread,
But His presence still is with me;
By His guiding hand I’m led.

He will keep me till the river
Rolls its waters at my feet;
Then He’ll bear me safely over,
Where the loved ones I shall meet.

Refrain:
Yes, I’ll sing the wondrous story
Of the Christ Who died for me,
Sing it with the saints in glory,
Gathered by the crystal sea.

*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZgRyjdjqmQ&list=RDGZgRyjdjqmQ&start_radio=1

Daily Devotional for January 27, 2019 – Promises made and kept…how well do you trust Jesus?

John 14:1-4
“Don’t let this throw you. You trust God, don’t you? Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I’m on my way to get your room ready, I’ll come back and get you so you can live where I live. And you already know the road I’m taking.”

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

Don’t make promises you can’t keep.” This has been one of my biggest life lessons…and it particularly applies to children. Don’t tell them you will take them somewhere – and never do it. Don’t promise that “everything will be okay” if you cannot guarantee that it will. Don’t assure them that you’re going to live forever and always be with them…because tomorrow is not guaranteed to any of us.

If this sounds hopeless, I don’t mean it that way. But it only takes a couple of broken promises to lose the trust of a child. And that confidence is incredibly difficult to regain. Our little ones have memories like elephants…and they are quick to remind us of missed opportunities and perceived “failures”. “Do you remember that time you told us we would go to the park, and we didn’t?” they will ask. They forget that it rained…or that someone got sick. All they know is that we said we would go…and then we didn’t!

The trust of young children is a precious – and precarious thing! So we must stay on our toes to ensure that we do not hurt or disappoint them in some way. As children of God, He knows that our trust is fickle and shaky. God knows that a couple of broken promises – and the ever-present influence of the devil – would be a deadly combination. Very quickly, our trust in Him could be dashed.

The GOOD NEWS is that God – operating through Jesus – never disappoints. He never makes promises that He doesn’t keep. We don’t ever have to wonder or worry about any commitments that He makes to us. But we do have to trust Him.

We don’t have any physical proof that Heaven exists…or that Jesus is preparing a home for us there. We live totally by faith that He will never fail us. We may tell our children to “Trust me.” And we may have the best intentions of making good on that promise. But “life” will often get in the way…and the devil will always be busy trying to defeat us. How do we know that Jesus won’t operate in the same way?

For me, the evidence that Jesus’ promises are fail-safe lies in the examples of what He has already done in my life and the lives of those around me. I see clear proof that He loves us and cares for us…that He changes hearts and minds, heals broken bodies and souls, and creates beauty from ashes. And this is not a one-shot deal…I recognize answers to prayers and miraculous transformations all around me – every single day.

It is a beautiful comfort to have settled in my heart that I know Jesus – and that everything that He has promised will be manifested at the perfect time. I am working hard to be someone of integrity on this earth – and to honor all promises and commitments that I’ve made to others. In this way, I pray that my life will reflect that of my Master…and encourage others to trust Him for themselves

Just when I am tempted to doubt, Jesus shows up and shows out! In the moments when I might wonder if this is the day that He is finally not going to honor a promise, I am shown that Jesus will never let us down. I know that Heaven is real…that a mansion is being prepared for me – and for you. And my virtual “bags” are packed! What about yours?

Daily Devotional for January 26, 2019 – Demonstrating faith and obedience…how well have you learned your lessons?

John 12:44-50
In a loud voice Jesus said:

Everyone who has faith in me also has faith in the one who sent me. And everyone who has seen me has seen the one who sent me. I am the light that has come into the world. No one who has faith in me will stay in the dark.

I am not the one who will judge those who refuse to obey my teachings. I came to save the people of this world, not to be their judge. But everyone who rejects me and my teachings will be judged on the last day by what I have said. I don’t speak on my own. I say only what the Father who sent me has told me to say. I know that his commands will bring eternal life. That is why I tell you exactly what the Father has told me.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Many years ago, a man was struggling with his health – his primary difficulty was arterial blockage. Bert* was under the care of a kind and loving cardiologist who truly wanted to see him succeed. The doctor told Bert…”You MUST quit smoking.” Bert simply could not do this. As the cardiologist reviewed Bert’s test results and subsequent plan of action during a visit, Bert’s wife asked, “What about his smoking?” The doctor looked at Bert with astonishment, closed the folder containing his health records and said, “If you won’t stop smoking, I cannot help you.”

Bert knew what to do. The doctor had told him…his assistants had told him. Physical therapists and other medical personnel had reviewed the “plan of attack” to save his heart…and all of the regimens included the cessation of smoking. But Bert simply could not stop. It was not the fault of any of the medical staff…and they did not judge him. But the cardiologist assessed the situation and pronounced that there was no need to keep seeing Bert…his smoking would negate any potential progress.

Thankfully, I’ve never smoked…so I have no clue how difficult it would be to stop. But that is not my point in sharing this. The point is that Bert trusted his doctor to heal him. He trusted the medical staff…listened to their advice and admonitions about his diet, exercise and smoking…and then he made a choice. I can only imagine that in his heart of hearts, this man really wanted to stop smoking…but the power of nicotine was ultimately stronger than his own resolve.

You and I often want to stop sinning. We want to do what Jesus has said…we want to hear God tell us that we have pleased Him and done a great job. We know in our hearts that it is not up to Jesus to see that this happens for us. We have to make the choice for ourselves. So the question becomes…how strong is our resolve?

Will we fully rely on God to give us the strength and courage to do the really hard things? We know that the devil will tempt us. He will whisper in our ear that…“This is not all that bad.” He will tell us that we’re doing our best, and…“nobody’s perfect!” The devil will try everything in the world to derail us, weaken our faith and resolve, and tear us down. Are we going to let him?

Jesus has shown us what to do…He has taught us how to love and serve. He came to save us from our sins…and everything He did was an exact reflection of God the Father. But Jesus will not judge us…God will. Jesus is the teacher, therapist and Redeemer…God is the judge and jury. How well have you learned your “lessons” from the Master – and implemented them? Will God be pleased with your efforts…or will He close the folder and say, “I cannot accept this.” Do you really want to risk the latter? Don’t you want to please God and show Him how deep your love and trust runs? Isn’t this a good day to get started?

*name changed

Daily Devotional for January 25, 2019 – How serious are you about following Jesus?

John 12:25-33
If you love your life down here—you will lose it. If you despise your life down here—you will exchange it for eternal glory.

“If these Greeks want to be my disciples, tell them to come and follow me, for my servants must be where I am. And if they follow me, the Father will honor them. Now my soul is deeply troubled. Shall I pray, ‘Father, save me from what lies ahead’? But that is the very reason why I came! Father, bring glory and honor to your name.”

Then a voice spoke from heaven saying, “I have already done this, and I will do it again.” When the crowd heard the voice, some of them thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him.

Then Jesus told them, “The voice was for your benefit, not mine. The time of judgment for the world has come—and the time when Satan, the prince of this world, shall be cast out. And when I am lifted up on the cross, I will draw everyone to me.” He said this to indicate how he was going to die.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

No one ever said being a Christian would be easy. Admit it…there are times when it would be so much simpler – and more pleasant – to go along with the crowd. Just stand still and listen to the gossip or bigoted joke. “Like” the posts of other people, rather than deal with any queries about why you might not appear to agree. Take the path of least resistance to avoid conflict. Don’t make any noise or draw any attention. Sit on your hands and bite your tongue…and pray that others come to their senses.

Jesus has been quite clear…Christian discipleship doesn’t work that way! He plainly stated that those who want to follow Him must be where He is. And this means enduring any necessary discourse and controversy in order to stand for what Christ teaches. If we want to be Christ’s disciples, we have to sometimes make difficult choices in order to demonstrate love for others…grace…mercy…forgiveness…acceptance and inclusion…patience…tolerance and more.

Just as Jesus could not ask God to save Him from the pain and suffering that He knew would follow…you and I cannot ask Jesus for a “pass” in our daily living. We have to decide…are we going to truly get to know Jesus – and then follow Him 100%…or are we going to be a half-hearted Christian? Do we truly understand what Jesus did for us…and what He wants us to do going forward…or are we looking for a “ticket to Heaven” and no real commitment?

We need to settle this once and for all…and we need to get busy living as Christ charged us as His disciples on this earth. We need to demonstrate our steadfast devotion with an all-out effort to speak and act as Christ commanded…to love others with His love, and as He loves us. We need to treat others as we wish to be treated. We need to resist the devil and stop trying to fit in with everyone else – especially at the expense of our devotion to Jesus. And we need to do this now!

It may be tempting to “straddle the fence” as a Christian…and surely, the devil is whispering in your ear that this is okay. But Jesus has clearly told us that this is not alright…and that those who wish to follow Him must be willing to truly get to know Him and represent Him with absolutely and indisputable integrity through every word and action. Have you made this level of commitment to Christ? Isn’t it time you did?

Daily Devotional for January 24, 2019 – Pouring out the costly perfume…whose motives are you serving?

John 12:1-8
Six days before the Passover ceremonies began, Jesus arrived in Bethany where Lazarus was—the man he had brought back to life. A banquet was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus sat at the table with him. Then Mary took a jar of costly perfume made from essence of nard, and anointed Jesus’ feet with it and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with fragrance.

But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples—the one who would betray him—said, “That perfume was worth a fortune. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor, but he was in charge of the disciples’ funds and often dipped into them for his own use!

Jesus replied, “Let her alone. She did it in preparation for my burial. You can always help the poor, but I won’t be with you very long.”

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

This account is not about the “waste” of expensive perfume. I love how Jesus saw right through Judas. He knew that this disciple was not interested in the poor…but in lining his own pockets. Jesus was not dismissing the poor with His comments – nor discounting their plight. Rather, Jesus was pointing out Judas’ selfishness and his concern with what directly affected him. And yes, Jesus was also letting Judas know that He was aware of the dishonesty and deceit in which one of His disciples was operating.

Here’s the thing…Jesus knows our heart, too. He knows when we are really concerned about others…and when we are truly just worried about our own “take”. Jesus knows when we are interested in furthering His Kingdom by demonstrating His teachings of grace, mercy, compassion, kindness, generosity, tolerance, and more. He sees when we “give to the poor” – even at our own expense…and when we behave selfishly – or with ulterior motives.

When was the last time you supported someone or a particular issue or cause because of its greater affect on others rather than how it would affect you? When was the last time you said, “That’s going to cost me a little bit more”…but you supported whatever was proposed because it would help so many others? When was the last time you made a gesture of support to someone, knowing that others would likely criticize you for being “frivolous”? When was the last time you set aside public opinion – or even that of your innermost circle – in order to do what you felt Jesus was leading you to do?

I’ve studied Mary and Martha, and I have come to see that Mary truly “got” Jesus. She had a deep and abiding understanding of her Master and what He was all about…how He loved His children and wanted them to be in love with Him. I am afraid that I am often more of a “Martha” at times. I love Jesus, but I get sidetracked and distracted. I hope I don’t go so far as to consider my own desires and how certain outcomes will benefit me, with no regard for the needs and concerns of others. I never want to be considered a ruthless or deceitful “Judas”.

We must be careful. We must guard our heart and mind – and continually check ourselves to see where we are operating with personal motives in mind over the desires of Jesus for His Kingdom as a whole. We must think of others more than we think of ourselves…and when necessary, we must “pour out the costly perfume” to acknowledge Christ’s magnitude and significance in our lives.

When we acknowledge Jesus and His desires first, everything else comes into focus. When it comes to Christian discipleship, those who have their priorities in order will always operate in abundance. Do you trust Jesus enough to manifest this in your own life? Isn’t it time you did? Where do you need to “pour out the costly perfume” today?

Daily Devotional for January 23, 2019 – How well do you know Jesus?

John 10:25-30
Jesus answered, “I told you, but you don’t believe. Everything I have done has been authorized by my Father under my care is so much greater than the Destroyer and Thief. No one could ever get them away from him. I and the Father are one heart and mind.”

I can’t remember if I have shared this story or not, but when we brought my mother home from the hospital for Hospice care, a medical supply store came and set up a special bed in the living area. This was the room with the most space to accommodate the bed – and the medical staff and caregivers. The bed was placed in front of the fireplace, and shortly after the nurses got Mother settled, she summoned me.

Mother whispered, “No one else would understand this but you…but one of the vases on the mantle is just a little bit crooked.” I looked up, and sure enough – one vase was turned slightly so that the decorative motif on its front was somewhat skewed. I totally got it! I knew exactly what was bothering her. So I made a gentle adjustment, and she smiled with approval.

How well do you know Jesus? I don’t ask this to insult you…it’s a question we should all be asking ourselves. Do you recognize His voice? Do you really know when He is speaking to you…and do you listen? Do you know what He likes…and what little nuances frustrate Him?

Too many of us have put Jesus aside. We call on Him when we need something. We trust that Jesus has forgiven our sins – and that there is a seat for us at His table in Heaven. But we don’t have a deep, abiding, ongoing relationship with Him. And this is truly a shame.

We all have acquaintances…people we recognize when we see them somewhere – or perhaps speak cordially to at church or in a store or at work. And hopefully, you have someone that you know on a much deeper level. You know things about them that seem insignificant to others…but demonstrate an intimacy not readily shared with others.

My mother and I did not spend a lot of time together physically, but we talked by phone and corresponded via e-mail on an almost daily basis…sometimes several times a day. My mother and I “got” each other. We knew each other in ways that others did not. I knew her favorite scripture passages…she nudged me to read books that I wouldn’t have already selected, because she knew I would like them – and I did! We didn’t always agree on everything, but we always knew that we had each other’s backs in a special way…maybe even more than many Mother-Daughter bonds.

I hope you have this kind of relationship with someone – a significant other, a relative, or a truly good friend. But more importantly, I hope you cultivate this kind of relationship with Jesus.

Over the last few days, the entries in Jesus Calling* have been about how we should trust in Jesus…at all times and in all things. We are reminded that Jesus loves us and wants us to truly belong to Him, in every sense of the word. This means that we must strive to think about Him more often…to talk to Him about everything…and to make Christ our “go-to” companion by consciously speaking His name and calling on Him to answer.

The more we strive to keep Jesus close, the more we will learn about how He works…and this will lead to a deeper and more lasting relationship of faith and trust. Not only will we come to share little “nuances” between each other…we will increase our sense of belonging. It may sound silly, but as we cultivate this level of love and trust, we will readily know when “the vase needs to be turned on the mantel” for Jesus, just as He already knows all of the vaguest of our traits and “quirks”.

I am so honored to belong to Jesus…to be called one of His sheep. I can’t begin to ever know as much about Him as He already knows about me…but I surely want to cultivate a deeper faith, trust and wisdom. I want to know Him in better every day…don’t you?

Stop and whisper the name of Jesus throughout this day – and in the days to come. Make a practice of calling on Him to enter into your thoughts. Seek His subtle whispers of love, guidance, and wisdom in return. Don’t you want to be more than just a redeemed sheep who is headed for Heaven? Don’t you want to know your Master better? How well do you know Jesus? Isn’t it time to find out?

*Jesus Calling ~ http://jesuscalling.com

Daily Devotional for January 22, 2019 – Getting to know God…and recognizing His presence in your daily living

John 1:1-3
Before anything else existed, there was Christ, with God. He has always been alive and is himself God.

Everything was created through him;
nothing—not one thing!—
came into being without him.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

Two nights ago, I bundled up and sat outside in 22-degree weather (with a stiff wind blowing) to view the “Super Blood Wolf Moon Lunar Eclipse”. I grabbed my camera and took several shots of the moon in different stages of this event…and I shared a few on Facebook. One of my former students commented on one photo of the full moon that was taken about an hour before the eclipse began. You could see craters and other details. He noted that in Dallas, where he lives, it would never be possible to get a shot with that much clarity (because of the city lights).

We are blessed to live in a somewhat rural area where the beauty of nature is literally at our back doorstep. We often have a crisp, clear night sky view of the moon and constellations. We can watch thunderstorms rolling past our house and beyond. Just last Saturday, I watched the wind blow “sheets” of snowfall down the river valley. FIVE male cardinals and one female fed at our bird feeder as the snow began to fall…and yesterday, two deer had a “salad supper” in our front yard. Evidence of God’s creations is all around us.

Anyone who knows me understands that I am a sucker for a beautiful moon or a meteor shower. Like many observations of nature, these remind me of the wisdom and power of God…and His vastness. God is more than we can ever truly fathom…larger than we will ever be able to realize…more omnipotent than we will ever realize. And yet, He manifested Himself as a human being in the form of Jesus Christ – and came to earth to live among us.

I honestly don’t understand how this all works. A footnote to this scripture passage in The Message says that Jesus is “God’s personal expression of himself to men.” Again, I don’t have a solid grasp on how He made all of this happen. But what I do know is that God created this universe and everything in it. What matters to me is that Jesus is real…that He was ordained by God to come to earth and live among us, teach us, and die for our sins. Because of my commitment to follow Christ, I am guaranteed a home in Heaven, where everything about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit – and how they intertwine – will become crystal clear.

The important thing to know is that Christ is real…that God’s promises through Him are true and sure. I don’t have to have all of the answers, because I serve a God who does! I live by faith…and God reassures me with daily evidence of His supremacy. From a flock of redbirds feeding in advance of a snowstorm…to a lunar eclipse…to impeccable attention to the minutiae of everyday living…God shows me Who He is – and how much He cares about even the smallest details in my life and the lives of others.

Everything was created through God. Not one thing came into being without Him. It is an honor and a privilege to be called a child of God. Are you living in a way that demonstrates your “lineage”…and your faith and commitment to Him? Don’t you think it’s time you were?

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: