July 2021 – Daily Devo Time

Daily Devotional for July 31, 2021 – Concern, control, and courage…asking God to fix things – and giving Him room to work!

Colossians 2:1-3
I wish you could know how much I have struggled in prayer for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for my many other friends who have never known me personally. This is what I have asked of God for you: that you will be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love, and that you will have the rich experience of knowing Christ with real certainty and clear understanding. For God’s secret plan, now at last made known, is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the mighty, untapped treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

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

When Timothy was in first grade, I became acquainted with his teacher, LaDonna Martin…and we “clicked” almost instantly. Our friendship these last five years has blessed me immensely. This morning, LaDonna told me about the training the elementary teachers are undergoing as part of a new program called “The Leader in Me.” She said one of the things that stuck out to her was how we have a “circle of concern” and a “circle of influence/control” – and these are not always the same. We must stop and ask ourselves, “Do I really have control over this person or situation?”

I am so concerned these days about those who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 – for whatever reason. Some are refusing to get the shots, while others are too young – or otherwise health compromised in a manner that makes this option unavailable. I am concerned for those who refuse to wear a mask – and for those who must be in the company of those without face coverings. I am concerned about children of all ages going off to school and sitting together in classrooms where the virus may have entered via an unwitting carrier. And do you know what? I cannot fix any of these things. But God can!

So I am “channeling my inner Paul,” and praying for my family, friends, and those who have never known me personally. I am asking God to give each person wisdom, courage, understanding, and protection. I am praying that we would all seek God’s directives – and operate in them daily. In a nutshell, I am acknowledging that I am a mere human who is asking God to fix what is not mine to rectify. He can, and He will.

There is great peace and power in the acceptance and acknowledgment of God’s supreme power. And I am determined to stick with it! As LaDonna put it so well this morning, “I am truly hoping to devote more time to the things that I can influence and not feel overwhelmed by the things I am concerned about!” I know that we serve a God who is bigger than all of this, and He is waiting on us to be courageous and trust Him in all things. And this seems like a great day to get started. Hallelujah!

Daily Devotional for July 30, 2021 – Serving God with faith and courage…are you approaching “Stephen level”?

Acts 6:8-15
Stephen, brimming with God’s grace and energy, was doing wonderful things among the people, unmistakable signs that God was among them. But then some men from the meeting place whose membership was made up of freed slaves, Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and some others from Cilicia and Asia, went up against him trying to argue him down. But they were no match for his wisdom and spirit when he spoke.

So in secret they bribed men to lie: “We heard him cursing Moses and God.”

That stirred up the people, the religious leaders, and religion scholars. They grabbed Stephen and took him before the High Council. They put forward their bribed witnesses to testify: “This man talks nonstop against this Holy Place and God’s Law. We even heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth would tear this place down and throw out all the customs Moses gave us.”

As all those who sat on the High Council looked at Stephen, they found they couldn’t take their eyes off him—his face was like the face of an angel!

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.

Let’s be completely honest…these days, a lot of people don’t even need a bribe to lie. If what they say or do will sway at least a few people to their “camp,” they are all in. I find it interesting that this sort of deceit is as old as time…and we have apparently not learned from the sins of the past. Thankfully, there are still “Stephens” in this world who stand strong and steady in the face of such wickedness. Even today, there are good, decent, faithful Christians who listen to God and speak and act as He directs, regardless of what others think or do.

I was moved to tears by the testimonies of the Capitol policemen who testified this week about being beaten, soaked in chemical spray, crushed, threatened with death “on your knees,” and berated with racial slurs and four-letter epithets, just to name a few of the atrocities committed against them on January 6, 2021. These men stood their ground, as best they could. One was asked by rioters, “Are you my brother?” in an attempt to persuade the officer to join those storming the capitol building and grounds. Another heard the mob shouting, “Kill him with his own gun,” and he told them, “I have kids!” as they continued to torture him.

I am astounded…and grateful…for the courage displayed by the Capitol Police that day. I pray that you and I never face such a test in our own lives. But if our faith in Jesus Christ was tested, what would we do? if we were attacked physically or verbally for speaking and acting as He commands…if we were accused of lies and heresy because we stood up for what we believed God was directing, would we have the face of an angel, like Stephen? Or would we cave and join the crowd?

Many may say, “I’m only human – I can only take so much.” Some have gone so far as to say, “LORD, I know this is probably not the best approach, but I am tired of getting beaten up and dragged down.” In essence, there are some who will “beg forgiveness later rather than ask permission now,” so to speak. This is not who Christ called us to be as His disciples.

If you continue reading in Acts 9, you see that Stephen did not back down…and ultimately, he was stoned to death for his discipleship. Remarkably, Stephen died begging God not to blame those who stoned him for their sins – his last demonstration of Christ’s command to “love one another.” This reminds me that even when the words and actions God gives me are not popular, I am not to condemn others for their judgment. I am to stay the course…to keep doing what I know God is directing in my life, and to show others His love, grace, and mercy – hopefully with the face of an angel.

I am a work in progress…I am nowhere near “Stephen level” in my discipleship. But I’m working on this and making every effort to serve Jesus with courage, faith and obedience. My prayer is that you will join me. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for July 29, 2021 – Feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit…be brave enough to “tremble and shake” with His care and guidance!

Acts 4:31
While they were praying, the place where they were meeting trembled and shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak God’s Word with fearless confidence.

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.

Greg and I used to be Arkansas Razorbacks season ticket holders for football and basketball. We attended countless games in stadiums, gyms and arenas, and there were times when the excitement was so palpable that we felt our bodies tremble and shake! There was an energy that consumed the crowd. Our hearts raced. We jumped, shouted, laughed and all but cried with joy and elation. I can still recall moments when we were absolutely overjoyed. The 1979 football victory over the University of Texas in War Memorial Stadium, comes to mind. Arkansas won, 17-14. We celebrated afterward with Greg’s family over a steak dinner, and we still talk about that day!

We have wonderful memories of many fun times that centered on the emotional “high” of cheering on our Razorbacks…and maybe you do, as well. Or perhaps you have your own special team that excites and delights you and gives you moments to remember for a lifetime. We still get excited as we watch our Razorbacks teams…but now we experience this from the comfort of our couch as we watch on television or online.

Think about your relationship with the Holy Spirit. Can you recall “tremble and shake” moments where the sense of His presence was truly palpable – and moving? Maybe you don’t jump and shout or feel the urge to move physically. And that’s okay. But do you feel Him? Does He move and inspire you…and fill you with joy, peace, comfort and courage?

One of the times I feel the Holy Spirit the most these days is during my walks when I listen to contemporary Christian music. There are several favorite songs that move me…physically and emotionally. I find myself raising my hands, singing, and walking with a lightness of heart and step. The neighbors must think I’m nuts if they see me, because I am probably a “sight” when this happens! There are other times that I can be sitting quietly and reading a devotional book – or even a post on social media – and I feel a chill run through me. I know the Holy Spirit is speaking or nudging…alerting me to His presence and guiding my thoughts and actions.

I want to encourage you to recognize and embrace the Holy Spirit as He works in your heart and mind. Do not fear Him. Do not try to tamp down His presence – or push Him aside. Be courageous as you live and breathe in His wisdom and care. Don’t be afraid to sing, lift your hands, or otherwise demonstrate evidence that He is working in your life. Pay attention to the lessons and blessings He gives you…and revel in them as you speak God’s Word to others with fearless confidence. This is assurance that He is truly with us…that He is guiding our thoughts and actions. We are called to pay close attention – and follow His lead, to the glory of God Almighty. Amen!

Daily Devotional for July 28, 2021 – Be bold in your discipleship…Christ is counting on us!

Acts 4:13-20
They couldn’t take their eyes off them—Peter and John standing there so confident, so sure of themselves! Their fascination deepened when they realized these two were laymen with no training in Scripture or formal education. They recognized them as companions of Jesus, but with the man right before them, seeing him standing there so upright—so healed!—what could they say against that?

They sent them out of the room so they could work out a plan. They talked it over: “What can we do with these men? By now it’s known all over town that a miracle has occurred, and that they are behind it. There is no way we can refute that. But so that it doesn’t go any further, let’s silence them with threats so they won’t dare to use Jesus’ name ever again with anyone.”

They called them back and warned them that they were on no account ever again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John spoke right back, “Whether it’s right in God’s eyes to listen to you rather than to God, you decide. As for us, there’s no question—we can’t keep quiet about what we’ve seen and heard.”

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.

Defending Olympic gymnast Simone Biles withdrew from competition in the 2021 Olympic games, which are currently taking place in Japan. The 24-year-old American icon cited her mental health. If you know anything about this young woman and her “story,” you know that she has been through the wringer in her almost quarter century of life. She has persevered through foster care, sexual abuse by her team doctor, and so much more as she defied all odds and won countless medals and titles. But Bile’s most courageous act came in her withdrawal from the present Olympic competition. This may be her lasting legacy, as she sets a new standard in athletics – and the world at large.

For too long, athletes have been told to fight through pain, injury, and mental stress and “git-r-done” on the field or court. Many have been held to standards that most human beings would declare to be astounding – if not impossible. And you and I bear some of this responsibility, as well. The whole world has expected super-human feats from “athletes” in all sports. Standing up and saying, “This is not what I am supposed to do,” is often met with the same disdain the priests and Temple police showed to Peter and his fellow disciples. The chief difference is that we cannot actually arrest athletes for “poor performance” or failure to comply with our expectations and attitudes…though in some instances, plenty have tried to enact some form of condemnation.

If you go to the first verses of Acts 4 and begin reading, you will see that the Temple priests and police arrested Peter and his men for healing the lame man and preaching the Gospel. They tried every trick in the book to find a cause for detaining them. Peter stood up and essentially told them 1) they were all wet for condemning the healing of a crippled man; and 2) he answered only to Jesus Christ, who had lived and died on the cross for His sins – and theirs if they accepted Him. Peter declared that he would not back away from his allegiance to Christ, no matter what was done to him. In the end, the “authorities” could find no reason to keep Peter and his men locked up, and they were all released.

There are not enough of us willing to stand up and speak out – for what we know God is showing us is right and true. We are not courageous enough to say “that mistreatment of others is wrong,” or “the language you are using about a certain race, ethnic group, sexual orientation, gender, and more is not only inappropriate – it is offensive and sinful.” We are not bold enough in our faith to say, “There is room at God’s table – and also in the pews of our churches for ALL people.” We do not stand up for the One who stood up for us in the bravest and most loving of ways – and live and breathe in His command to “love one another.”

Whether this demonstration of boldness means putting your mask back on and staying home until the virus once again begins to abate…or putting your arms around someone who is “different” in some way (literally AND figuratively)…or encouraging others to get the vaccine because you love them and don’t want them to die of COVID or spread it to others…Christ is counting on us to live with courage. He is calling on us to do what is unpopular…to stand up and say that false narratives, “mob mentality” and physical violence are not representative of His teachings and sacrifices.

Jesus is reminding us that He is with us every step of the way. He was with Peter and the other disciples as they proclaimed the Gospel. He was with an Olympic athlete who said, “Enough is ENOUGH!” and reclaimed control over her mental health – and perhaps her very life. Jesus is with you and me. He will stand with us as we mask up and encourage others to get vaccinated and stay safe. He will be with us as we worship with those who are “not like us” in a myriad of ways – because we are ALL alike in His eyes. Jesus will be with us as we mourn and grieve for those who have suffered injustice and discrimination – and strive to do better.

Peter declared, “…we have nothing to hide. By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the One you killed on a cross, the One God raised from the dead, by means of his name this man stands before you healthy and whole.” You and I have nothing to hide…we can stand boldly and declare that we serve the One who makes us healthy and whole…the one who commanded that we love all others. This is our day…our “moment” in the vein of Simone Biles and St. Peter and the other disciples. Stand up and make a difference for Christ. He is counting on all of us.

Daily Devotional for July 27, 2021 – It is time to be courageous as Christ’s disciples!

Acts 3:12-26
Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd. “Men of Israel,” he said, “what is so surprising about this? And why look at us as though we by our own power and godliness had made this man walk? For it is the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and of all our ancestors who has brought glory to his servant Jesus by doing this. I refer to the Jesus whom you rejected before Pilate, despite Pilate’s determination to release him. You didn’t want him freed—this holy, righteous one. Instead you demanded the release of a murderer. And you killed the Author of Life; but God brought him back to life again. And John and I are witnesses of this fact, for after you killed him we saw him alive!

“Jesus’ name has healed this man—and you know how lame he was before. Faith in Jesus’ name—faith given us from God—has caused this perfect healing.

“Dear brothers, I realize that what you did to Jesus was done in ignorance; and the same can be said of your leaders. But God was fulfilling the prophecies that the Messiah must suffer all these things. Now change your mind and attitude to God and turn to him so he can cleanse away your sins and send you wonderful times of refreshment from the presence of the Lord and send Jesus your Messiah back to you again. For he must remain in heaven until the final recovery of all things from sin, as prophesied from ancient times. Moses, for instance, said long ago, ‘The Lord God will raise up a Prophet among you, who will resemble me! Listen carefully to everything he tells you. Anyone who will not listen to him shall be utterly destroyed.’

“Samuel and every prophet since have all spoken about what is going on today. You are the children of those prophets; and you are included in God’s promise to your ancestors to bless the entire world through the Jewish race—that is the promise God gave to Abraham. And as soon as God had brought his servant to life again, he sent him first of all to you men of Israel, to bless you by turning you back from your sins.”

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

Greg and I will soon have lived in our present house for 14 years. When Timothy was about five, he picked up a ceiling fan remote one day and pressed the button for the light switch, causing it to dim. I had no idea that the ceiling fan remotes had dimmer switches for the lights! It took a preschooler to show me the way. A few years later, Zola saw me juggling the reservoir to my coffee maker one day as I filled it at the sink faucet and tried to reinsert it in the machine. She quipped, “My mother doesn’t take that piece off…she just fills it with a pitcher of water!” The people of Jerusalem had passed by the lame beggar near The Beautiful Gate to the Temple for years. They had even tossed a few coins to him from time to time. But until Peter and John came by and healed him in the name of Jesus, no one had thought to address what was really troubling the man. Sometimes, we live in the land of “We’ve-Always-Done-It-This-Way” and cannot see what is right in front of us.

God’s message for all of us is plain and clear. We know about Jesus. We know why God sent Him, what He sacrificed for each of us, and what our “commission” is as His disciples. It’s time for us to get busy fulfilling what God designed. It is time to be courageous and “heal the beggar” rather than throw money at him. It’s time to do the hard things, the things that are controversial, unconventional and unpopular. If we are truly Christ’s disciples, it is time for us to stand up and step out…and do things His way – not our own. It is time to listen to everything He tells us, and speak and act accordingly. And we don’t have a minute to waste. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for July 26, 2021 – Be courageous…and always go where God sends you!

Acts 28:12-16
We put in at Syracuse for three days and then went up the coast to Rhegium. Two days later, with the wind out of the south, we sailed into the Bay of Naples. We found Christian friends there and stayed with them for a week.

And then we came to Rome. Friends in Rome heard we were on the way and came out to meet us. One group got as far as Appian Court; another group met us at Three Taverns—emotion-packed meetings, as you can well imagine. Paul, brimming over with praise, led us in prayers of thanksgiving. When we actually entered Rome, they let Paul live in his own private quarters with a soldier who had been assigned to guard 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.

No doubt, you have had experiences where you were nervous about what was going to happen. You may have been apprehensive about a visit to the doctor or dentist. You may have moved to a new church or community, and you dreaded first encounters with unfamiliar people. Or maybe you started a new job or school classes and didn’t know a soul. We are all faced with daunting situations in our lives. While the outcomes are sometimes frightening or uncomfortable…there are also times where we are pleasantly surprised.

Paul and his fellow ministers had no idea what awaited them as they traveled from city to city sharing the Good News of Jesus…but they were always concerned that there could be trouble – that their visits could be dangerous, or even painful or deadly! I am sure that they prayed fervently between cities and asked God to give them courage and the strength to handle whatever – and whoever – they encountered. Imagine their delight when friends greeted them and led the way into Rome. Everything was better than expected…there was even a private sleeping quarters for Paul, complete with a guard at the door!

I cannot promise you that God will always clear your path in every situation and give you friendly faces to greet you – or literally provide a guard at your door. I cannot promise that every time you stand up for what God has laid on your heart, and speak and act as He directs, everything will go smoothly and you will be warmly accepted by all you encounter. In fact, I can almost guarantee that this will not be the case at some point. But we must move forward courageously, just as Paul and his men did. We must trust that in the overall scheme of things, God will not fail us when we follow His commands.

Ask God to reveal His will to you…then act on it! Say and do the things that please God and represent the teachings of Jesus to others, even when this is unpopular. Be courageous as you face unknown situations, new opportunities, and situations you know are filled with trepidation. Feel the presence of God with you and trust His care and protection. And remember to thank Him for His perfect guidance and His love and care.

Daily Devotional for July 25, 2021 – Same laws, new “recipe”…it’s time to serve Christ with simple faith and courage!

Acts 24:14
I admit that their leaders think that the Lord’s Way which I follow is based on wrong beliefs. But I still worship the same God that my ancestors worshiped. And I believe everything written in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets.

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

I can still see my grandmother Polly, standing in the kitchen at our home in Dover, Arkansas, over 40 years ago. I had “creamed” potatoes with a mixer, and then I began to pour in a wilted spring salad that I had made. She all but screamed, “What are you doing?!” I told her I was making “Dutch Lettuce,” a dish Greg’s family enjoyed every spring when the first lettuce appeared in the garden. “Well I never!” she declared! But I persevered and mixed the wilted salad with the “creamed” potatoes. We served it as a side dish, dressed tableside with vinegar. My grandmother continued to shake her head – but she added “Dutch Lettuce” to her own menu and shocked her friends and guests by serving this newfangled dish. She told me later how much fun she had watching their reactions turn from shock to delight as they tasted the potatoes and lettuce together – and liked it!

In our relationship with God, a lot of us are stuck in “What are you doing-Land.” We have a bad case of “We’ve always done it this way,” or “We’ve always believed this or that!” Some are mired in the Old Testament world of laws, punishments and sacrifices and have not fully embraced the teachings of Jesus – and what it cost Him on the cross to settle things for us, once and for all.

Another memory from the same era as my potatoes and lettuce experience comes from my days as a kindergarten teacher. I tried to instill in my students the value of living by three simple rules…1) Be kind to others; 2) Work and play quietly; and 3) Respect the property of others. If you stop and think about it, every word and action can be tested by these three guidelines. Truly, Jesus has given us simple rules to live by, as well…1) Love God; 2) Confess your sins and commit your heart to Him; and 3) Love one another. This is about as plain as it gets.

“But the Bible says So-and-so” about this group or that behavior, you may contend. What does Jesus say? The New Testament tells us that Jesus also told us to “judge not” – and to treat others as you wish to be treated. Does this leave room to pick and choose which people are acceptable, based on skin color, ethnic background, sexual orientation, economic level, intelligence, gender, or whatever else you want to use as your gauge? Do these commands say anything about a license for us to decide who is “in” with God – and who isn’t?

As this passage tells us, we are not denying or negating the Old Testament Law. We are declaring that Jesus Christ changed everything. He came that we might have New Life, and a new way to approach the Throne of Grace and be fully in the presence of God Almighty – and directly connected to Him at all times. Jesus left us with His Holy Spirit…and the promise of a seat at His Heavenly table if we commit ourselves to Him – body, mind and soul. To live in these commands and promises takes faith and courage. Some seem to enjoy quoting chapter and verse that they believe justifies their judgments and biases. I believe that this verse in Acts 24 tell us to live boldly in the simple and all-encompassing commands of Jesus Christ.

Jesus didn’t change God’s word or will…He just gave us a “new recipe” for how to live and serve as faithful disciples. You and I are called to be bold and courageous…to honor the “old” law by living in the new commands. Now we must share this with everyone we know and love. Hallelujah! Let’s get going!

Daily Devotional for July 24, 2021 – You are more than enough to God…be courageous and love one another!

2 Timothy 1:5-7
I know how much you trust the Lord, just as your mother Eunice and your grandmother Lois do; and I feel sure you are still trusting him as much as ever.

This being so, I want to remind you to stir into flame the strength and boldness that is in you, that entered into you when I laid my hands upon your head and blessed you. For the Holy Spirit, God’s gift, does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them.

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 was visiting with a friend recently who told me that as she grew up, she was continually told, “You can do better.” She said if she received a grade of A-minus, she was asked, “Why isn’t this an A?” When she made the school cheer team, her parents asked, “Why aren’t you captain?” I told her that I understood this, because I grew up much the same way. When I thought I wanted to become a nurse, I was told, “Be a doctor…they make more money!” My “best” could always be “better”…and failure was simply not an option. I know that my siblings – and others with an older sister or brother – have been asked, “Why can’t you be like your big sister/brother?” I do not share this to disrespect the adults in my life – or in yours. I merely wish to point out that we need to do a better job of instilling in others their true value as precious children of the Most High God.

It has taken me decades (and a lot of prayer and self-reflection) to realize that I cannot fail in God’s eyes…that my value to Him is immeasurable, and there is nothing I can ever say or do that will cause Him to walk away from me. Now, I must make every effort to ensure that those in my circle of influence understand just how precious they are to God, as well…and how important their mission truly is as disciples of Jesus Christ. And I must reinforce this by loving them as Christ loves me!

Do not be afraid to be who God has called you to be. When God directs you to stand up and speak out in the name of Jesus, do so with courage and confidence. Feel Him standing right beside you. Breathe in deeply the Holy Spirit’s presence in your heart and soul. Stand tall and proud and represent your Heavenly Father with bold and full assurance that your service is honorable and worthwhile.

This is not a license to be arrogant or to allow your ego to run amok! Just as the Apostle wrote to Timothy and encouraged him to share the love of Christ with others with boldness and confidence, you and I have received this same calling on our lives. Maybe Paul didn’t put his hands on our heads and anoint us with a blessing from God, but we are blessed and covered all the same. And the Holy Spirit is available to dwell within us just as much.

Do not let another person or group diminish your worth. If you have claimed victory in Jesus Christ, you are endowed with the power and passion of the Holy Spirit. You are designed for missions and ministries as God ordains and directs. Your “grade” is an A+…your faithful, obedient service is just what the Doctor ordered. You are thin enough, rich enough, smart enough, handsome enough…whatever “enough” you want to put in the blank. Be who God has designed you to be. Serve Him with courage and confidence that you are more than enough to Him. And this is all that truly matters. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for July 23, 2021 – Stand strong with God – and fight bravely!

2 Samuel 10:12
Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in his sight.”

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

There is a saying that one can tell another person’s values by looking at his/her checkbook. I’ve had a similar thought recently about my Facebook posts. Most of my entries are links to these devotionals or other scriptures/inspirational quotes, notices about the Community School of Cleburne County, COVID-19 and urging people to get the vaccine, an occasional “feel-good” share of animals or kids! These are the people/causes for which I “fight bravely” – and trust God to make the difference.

The “backstory” of 2 Samuel 10 is the same account that I shared from the Book of 2 Chronicles a few weeks ago. It is another perspective on how armies came to fight King David and the people of Israel. David’s chief commander, Joab, told the troops to stand tall and be courageous. He reminded them that God was with them and would make the difference. And in the end, the enemies fled in fear and defeat.

You and I are also called to stand tall and be courageous. We are to prayerfully do what God commands and “fight bravely” as He instructs. We may be criticized – or even ostracized – for our stance. But when we speak and act as God commands, we will still be standing when the dust settles.

I often say in this space that we must “let go and let God.” And then I struggle with this in my own daily living. If only God would just fix everything – TODAY! I’ve asked Him to heal the sick and stop this deadly virus – and to change the minds of those who refuse to vaccinate. I’ve asked God to make this world safe and harmonious for everyone – regardless of age, race, gender, economic status, sexual orientation, political orientation, and more. I’ve begged Him to heal our planet – and mend the hearts and minds of those who are at odds with others. I really do believe God hears me…and answers – but on His terms, not my own.

I wish you could hear the “battle” that is going on in my head. On one hand, I believe we would probably abandon God (or spend far less time communicating with Him) if He gave us “carte blanche” answers to our prayers. The other “voice” in my brain asks, “So are you saying God plays games…that He is selfish and would make us suffer, just to keep us close?” That is not at all what I am saying. I do believe God wants an ongoing relationship with us…but He never plays games to accomplish this. God knows what is best…and His timing and ours are so very different. Scripture tells us a thousand of our years are like a single day to God. We are also told that His answers are perfect – and right on time.

So I will continue to stand tall, be courageous and faithful, and “fight bravely” for what God puts on my heart. I will trust that He is working out everything for His good – and out of His amazing and abundant love for each of us. I will continue to serve Him obediently – even when it seems that armies of “enemies” are all around me. I know that the Lord will do what is good in His sight, and I will trust His answers and outcomes. Thanks be to God. Hallelujah!

Daily Devotional for July 22, 2021 – Be courageous and prepare for Heaven…it’s time to “get organized” as Christ’s disciples!

2 Corinthians 5:6-13
That’s why we live with such good cheer. You won’t see us drooping our heads or dragging our feet! Cramped conditions here don’t get us down. They only remind us of the spacious living conditions ahead. It’s what we trust in but don’t yet see that keeps us going. Do you suppose a few ruts in the road or rocks in the path are going to stop us? When the time comes, we’ll be plenty ready to exchange exile for homecoming.

But neither exile nor homecoming is the main thing. Cheerfully pleasing God is the main thing, and that’s what we aim to do, regardless of our conditions. Sooner or later we’ll all have to face God, regardless of our conditions. We will appear before Christ and take what’s coming to us as a result of our actions, either good or bad.

That keeps us vigilant, you can be sure. It’s no light thing to know that we’ll all one day stand in that place of Judgment. That’s why we work urgently with everyone we meet to get them ready to face God. God alone knows how well we do this, but I hope you realize how much and deeply we care. We’re not saying this to make ourselves look good to you. We just thought it would make you feel good, proud even, that we’re on your side and not just nice to your face as so many people are. If I acted crazy, I did it for God; if I acted overly serious, I did it for you. Christ’s love has moved me to such extremes. His love has the first and last word in everything we do.

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.

The events of this last eighteen months have really changed my perspective and focus. Staying healthy – and keeping my family and loved ones safe and well – has become a top priority. Getting our “house” in order has also risen to the top of the list. Cleaning out over 60 years of clutter and accumulation will do that to a person! I’ve come to appreciate even more fully the “creature comforts” of our home…a well-stocked pantry…the technology that allows us to stay in touch or continue learning while socially distanced…and how precious our relationships with others truly are. I’ve also gained a newfound appreciation for doorstep delivery of mail, packages, and supplies…and the God-given creativity that has arisen in many of us, borne out of necessity in many instances. Many of us have learned to adjust on the fly – and that’s a good thing!

The Bible tells us that we won’t even think about all of this when we get to Heaven. We will have new bodies and new homes…and our time will be spent in the face-to-face presence of Jesus. The Bible also tells us that we will have to answer for how we spoke and acted on earth. This knowledge should impact how we conduct ourselves every day. It is in part why I am making such an effort to “get my ducks in a row” and clearing out the clutter in my own home, so my loved ones don’t have to deal with it someday. This is why I care so much about people getting the COVID vaccine in order to have the best chance of remaining healthy and safe against the virus. This is also why I try to love all others with the love of Christ – and show His grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, inclusion, patience, kindness and more as I interact with them.

In the words of the Apostle Paul, “Christ’s love has moved me to extremes.” When I get to Heaven, I don’t think God is going to ask me about what physical and personal wealth I accumulated…or how much of an “inheritance” I left for others. I also don’t think I am going to be concerned for even a second about my earthly belongings. What will matter is how I honored Jesus and lived with courage, empathy, and a daily demonstration of His love to others.

I have been reminded in these last several months just how fleeting life can be. We don’t have a minute to waste! What lies ahead in Heaven will be glorious beyond all we can imagine…but now is the time to prepare. I’m getting my “ducks in a row” in every area of life – and preparing to meet God face-to-face. I don’t want my dying thought to be about what a mess I left for my loved ones…or that I didn’t love and serve Jesus enough! What about you?

Ask God to fill you with His wisdom and courage – and help you align your priorities. Clear out the “clutter” in your own life. Focus on what is truly important – and Eternal. Let the love of Christ move you to extremes and prepare you for what lies ahead. Be ready to meet God face-to-face and answer for your words and actions. This is the day to begin to “get organized” as Christ’s disciple. Put one foot in front of the other…and let’s get busy!

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