June 2023 – Daily Devo Time

Daily Devotional for June 30, 2023 – You’ve been warned! It’s time to patiently follow the truth of Jesus Christ…and learn to recognize the scammers!

2 Peter 3:17-18
But you, friends, are well-warned. Be on guard lest you lose your footing and get swept off your feet by these lawless and loose-talking teachers. Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Glory to the Master, now and forever! Yes!

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.

Last week, I got a message from a friend who asked me to add someone to any and all prayer lists. The name of the person mentioned by this “sender” was very similar to that of one of her family members…but nothing else about this rang true or familiar. I did a little digging and decided it was a scam…someone was impersonating my friend and wanting me to respond. I deleted this message, but I assume that if I had responded, a scammer would have somehow had access to my social media account – and/or could have used me to scam others.

Around the same time, a dear older friend told me that she was looking at her online bank account when a message popped up “from Microsoft” that said she had been hacked, and she needed to “call this number” to fix things. My friend panicked and called the number, and they asked her all sorts of things. I am hopeful that she really didn’t give much info before becoming frustrated and hanging up the phone. But there is every chance they got enough data to perpetuate their scam.

This made me think of a time several years ago when my mother-in-law got a phone call from a young man who purported to be her grandson. He said he was on a trip and had lost his credit card. He needed her to go to Western Union and wire him a substantial amount of money. Thankfully, my mother-in-law called my husband first…and they subsequently called Greg’s brother AND his nephew and determined that nobody was traveling – or needed money! My mother-in-law was understandably rattled by this. She kept saying, “It sounded so much like my grandson on the phone.”

These examples show how easily you and I can be duped if we are not careful – and not just by scammers who want access to our computers and bank accounts. There are plenty of ruthless and/or selfish people who will tell you that the Bible says whatever fits their personal agenda. They suggest that to be a “good Christian,” you have to do XYZ or serve in certain missions and ministries. They will try to dictate everything from how you dress to who you choose as friends and associates – to what you do in the privacy of your own home and bedroom. Some will quote selective scripture to support their contention that men have supreme authority over women and children…or that certain books and “theories” are evil and should not be allowed or taught in our schools. Others will try to rewrite history and convince us that this is how things truly happened…or they will omit certain events in hopes that over time, they will fade from memory and not be a part of the fabric of the narration about our past.

We must remain awake, alert, and vigilant in our efforts to seek the truth. We must learn to recognize slick fast talkers. We must patiently and purposefully do the work of studying scripture for ourselves…prayerfully seeking wise counsel…and calling on the Holy Spirit to equip us with the good sense to know when we are being fed a line of falsehoods and deceptions. None of this is new, but with the advent of incredible technologies and social media, the uptake in defamations, dishonesties, and downright scams seems to be multiplying at an unbelievably rapid rate. You and I must stay on our toes!

Now is not the time to blindly take the word of acquaintances – or even necessarily church “leaders.” God has given us everything we need to make wise, informed decisions…His Word, the power of prayer and direct communication with Him, and the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide and guard us. It is time for us to dig deeply for the truth utilizing these resources – and give all glory and allegiance to God for His grace and mercy and love. Alleluia, and stay safe!

Daily Devotional for June 29, 2023 – Don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given…learning to grow in our New Life in Christ – and pay it forward

2 Peter 1:5-9
So don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. Without these qualities you can’t see what’s right before you, oblivious that your old sinful life has been wiped off the books.

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.

A few days ago, a sweet young friend posted a picture on Facebook of a gold coin she received to celebrate 9 years of sobriety. She also shared something she wrote last year about her journey and said that her “spiritual awakening” while working through a recovery program led to an even bigger Spiritual awakening. This beautiful Christian wife and mother noted that she doesn’t have a ton of pictures from her “old life” – not because she looked so awful and silly – but because what Jesus has done for her erased the past, and she is looking toward the future. She also reminded others not to try to totally forget the past…but don’t dwell in it, either. In the words of Peter, “don’t let grass grow under your feet!”

I thought of the quote I often share with you from the late poet, Maya Angelou – “When you know better, you do better.” Because of Jesus, we know better. Our old sinful life has been wiped off the books. Now it is time to grow and mature in our New Life in Christ. In the passage today, Peter outlines several of the things we should be fostering in our new faith. The Contemporary English Version lists them this way… goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, devotion to God, concern for others, and love. The Living Bible translation explains that as we let God have His way with us, we will begin to enjoy other people and like them – and finally grow to love them dearly!

It seems to me that the challenge has been issued. We have been reminded that we are redeemed, forgiven and know better. Now it’s time to do better! We don’t have to be recovering alcoholics or addicts for this to apply. We are all sinners in need of a Savior…and once redeemed, we are all called to live, love, and serve as Christ directs. We don’t have time for mundane boredom. We must not grow grass under our feet and live in the past…there is Kingdom work to do, and we are called to do it! So, let’s get busy serving in the name of the One who gave everything for us. Let’s show the world the love of Jesus in every opportunity He gives us! Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for June 28, 2023 – Showing the world who God has called and chosen you to be…it’s time to live out our purpose!

2 Peter 1:10
So, dear brothers, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen, and then you will never stumble or fall away.

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

A Little Rock morning show aired live today from the city of Des Arc, an east-central Arkansas farming community with a population of 1700. The host featured the work and products of Paul Guess, a philanthropist and entrepreneur who has made a name for himself in our state in several ways over the last few years. I first saw Paul Guess on local television ads for a seasonal “warehouse” in Des Arc. “Guess & Co.” is a joint project with Paul’s brother and sister-in-law. The business is open several weeks in the fall, and features everything you need to create a Christmas wonderland in your own home or office.

Lately, I’ve been noticing photos and mentions of Paul Guess in our state newspaper and online, and I found the website for Guess & Co. this morning. There is a section called “Follow Paul’s Heart,” and it begins with a quote… “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2”. This section goes on to detail how Paul Guess, a graduate of the University of Arkansas with a BSBA (who also studied at the Harvard Business School), is giving back to his community and several charities that have personal meaning to him.

Guess is an advocate and fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. His nephew was diagnosed with the disease, and Paul recently raised $31,168 for this organization at a local philanthropic gala. Following a heart scare of his own, Paul became an ambassador with firsthand experience for the American Heart Association, and he has donated more than $20,000 to the Association via fundraising parties and his warehouse sales. He donated $10,000 to the Des Arc High School Business Department to purchase computers for the school computer lab – and he gave money to pay for a program to teach Des Arc High students how to administer CPR. Paul is active in his community and supports other causes in the area. When you listen to an interview with Paul Guess, you get the impression that he “walks the walk” even as he “talks the talk.”

I don’t know Paul Guess personally – although we do share mutual friends. I consider their friendship a ringing endorsement of his character and witness. It appears that Paul has taken his God-given talents and turned them into an opportunity to reach others. He is giving back and appears to be working hard to prove that he is among those God has called and chosen.

I share this to ask the question, “How are you and I known?” Are we tapping into our God-given gifts and talents to reach others for Christ? We all have them…God designed every person with a purpose – and a unique set of gifts and abilities. Far too many have never recognized these and/or cultivated their personal “witness” as God designed. But there is still time. You don’t have to become a “local celebrity” like Paul Guess…but you can learn from his example and that of others.

Look around at those who seem to carry the Light of Christ in their hearts and love others as He commanded and demonstrated. Study the teachings of Jesus and see how He did it. On the surface, there was nothing extraordinary about this son of a carpenter who walked from village to village preaching and teaching. He didn’t have “movie star status.” He wasn’t a famous athlete, or even a well-known artist. Jesus was not a wallflower…but He was not necessarily a “dynamo” by today’s standards. And yet, look at what He did. Look at how He changed the world. You and I have work to do…we have a part to play in this – a purpose that is God-ordained and will be carefully nurtured and led by the Holy Spirit.

We don’t have to be Jesus, Paul Guess – or anybody else. We just have to be who God ordained us to be. And we don’t have a minute to waste. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for June 27, 2023 – Serving Christ with patience and perseverance – it’s time to work on the “puzzle” together!

1 Corinthians 5:16-20
Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life emerges! Look at it!

All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you.

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.

Our family has always enjoyed puzzles…and our children loved “floor puzzles” when they were younger – jigsaw puzzles with giant pieces that were assembled on the floor. I then bought smaller puzzles at Dollar Tree – 50 to 100 pieces each. The children could work them in no time – especially Nathan, who started almost in the middle and worked his way to the edges. To say that this kid is spatially gifted would be an understatement!

When Timothy visited last week, we opened a new 750-piece jigsaw puzzle and worked on it together. During the COVID isolation, I acquired several puzzles that feature the art of Charles Wysocki, whose primary subject is cats, and we have had fun watching the pictures come to life. Here’s the thing…when we first opened the box and spread out the pieces, they looked nothing like the puzzle. In fact, this particular brand of puzzles has a way of cutting the pieces so that we were almost finished before we found two of the border pieces. Looking at them on their own, you would swear they were not a “straight-edge” border piece. But when snapped into place, everything came into focus.

There were other pieces that we searched for over a period of days…the “yellow” piece we thought we needed was actually more of a reddish brown – or even green! And yet, when we set it in the vacant spot, everything came together and made sense. And in the last puzzle, there was a lone piece that was nowhere to be found. After much searching, I finally located it on the area rug underneath the table. It blended in with the rug pattern and was “hiding in plain sight!”

Why am I telling you about jigsaw puzzles? As I read this passage from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, I was struck by how we are all like jigsaw puzzle pieces. Alone and apart, you and I don’t “fit.” Our appearance may be confusing or deceiving. On our own, we are incomplete. And sometimes, we wander off and get “lost” as we blend in with the world. But when we find our place in the will of God and work together to share the Good News of Jesus and follow His commands, everything makes perfect sense! An old, seemingly rough-edge individual puzzle piece suddenly has a new look – a “smooth edge” or the right color pattern – and fits perfectly.

The puzzles we’ve been working are incredibly colorful and varied in every way…just like God’s children. Each one of us has value and purpose. As followers of Jesus who may have already found our “spot,” it is up to you and me to invite others to share in this overall big picture.

How do we do this? We start by speaking and acting with the love of Christ Jesus. We demonstrate the “fruits of the Spirit” as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23. The Message puts it like this…“But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

Christ is calling us to show these “fruits” to others…to live and love in a way that signals to them…“This is your spot! This is where YOU fit into the overall picture/puzzle! Come and join us!”

In a few days, everything that is so confusing now will come together on our kitchen table. It’s going to take a little while longer to complete the Kingdom of Heaven, but we need to be doing all we can toward that end.

We need to start seeing the beauty and value of every single person/puzzle piece…and working with all we have to make sure that all find their place in the presence and glory of a New Life in Christ. This will require patience and perseverance. As with a literal jigsaw puzzle, some pieces may elude us for a long time. But we keep trying…we keep serving…we keep demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ in every way we can. The day is coming when the “puzzle” will be completed. Now is the time to find your “spot!” Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for June 26, 2023 – Pushed to your knees…learning to let Christ take over and strengthen you in all things

2 Corinthians 12:6-10
If I had a mind to brag a little, I could probably do it without looking ridiculous, and I’d still be speaking plain truth all the way. But I’ll spare you. I don’t want anyone imagining me as anything other than the fool you’d encounter if you saw me on the street or heard me talk.

Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,

My grace is enough; it’s all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness.

Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.

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.

If you claim that God has not pushed you to your knees in one way or another, you are not being completely honest. I refer once again to the quote that news anchor Robin Roberts turned into a book title…Everybody’s Got Something! We all have a limitation, handicap, irritation, or challenge of some sort that, at best, tests our mettle and tries our patience. Some live with a lifelong illness or affliction that makes everyday tasks a struggle, if not downright impossible. And many wonder, “Is God mad at me? Why am I being punished?” I have heard Christians ask, “Why am I being persecuted?” While it may feel like this is the case when you’re in the thick of things, I assure you, this is not God’s intention.

God does not allow us to “suffer,” struggle, or even be slightly uncomfortable or inconvenienced because He is mean and vindictive. Paul tells us that he asked three times for God to remove his “handicap,” and God told him, “My grace is enough; it’s all you need.” Let’s be honest…if God made every second of our lives a bed of roses, would we really give Him much thought or attention? Nobody is that humble and grateful! We would begin to take God for granted…to assume that our every wish was His command…and we would start to elevate our own importance and abilities to handle things ourselves.

This is a great lesson for all of us. No matter what is happening in your life today, ask God, “What do you want me to learn from this?” The first answer will most assuredly be, “Trust me. Let Christ take over and strengthen you.” From there, the “lessons” are as varied as the challenges. But I assure you, God never wastes an opportunity to grow our faith and show us how much He loves us. Sometimes, it’s easy to see the bigger picture, and other times, we’ve just got to let go and trust Him. We need to learn to do better at both. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for June 25, 2023 – Keeping a close watch on our thoughts, words and actions to reflect the Jesus’ commands..people are watching!

1 Timothy 4:16
Keep a close watch on all you do and think. Stay true to what is right and God will bless you and use you to help others.

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 watched a story on CBS Sunday Morning about the late actor and leading man of the movies, Rock Hudson. If you are of a certain age, you probably thought of Rock Hudson as “macho” – a “man’s man.” Women thought he was “dreamy” – and as was noted in the story, the kind of man they wanted to marry. Shortly before his death in 1985, it was revealed that Hudson was gay – and he had AIDS. It was also noted in this story that Rock Hudson played a large role (no pun intended) in changing how people viewed AIDS and those who contracted the virus.

Hudson’s story is sad to me in several ways. First, he was not able to truly live as who he was…he had to hide his sexual orientation – and much of his personal life – from the world. Additionally, for all his fame and admiration, Hudson was treated like a pariah by many, especially in his darkest hour. It was revealed in this story that when he returned to America from Paris after his AIDS diagnosis, Hudson had to charter a 747 jet at the price of $250,000, because no commercial airline would allow him to fly on one of their aircraft. To her credit, actress Elizabeth Taylor stayed close to Hudson for the rest of his life. But many others shunned him in his greatest time of need.

Sadly, for all the progress we have made in the last 38 years, we still have so far to go. We still treat certain people and groups with disdain, if not downright hate. We speak and act in a way that indicates falsely that God’s love, forgiveness, grace, and mercy are selective – and only available to hand-picked people, groups – and even denominations, races, and “classes.” You and I reinforce these biases and fabrications with our own thoughts, words, and actions. I know firsthand what it is like to grow up surrounded by opinions and influences that shaped my attitudes toward others…and not always positively. I have struggled to cultivate a habit of stopping to ask God what He thinks before I make assumptions about a situation or an individual. Try as I might not to judge others, I still find it difficult at times not to at least give another person the impression that I disagree or disapprove of them or their words and actions – even though I know it is not my place to do so.

I have found it even harder at times to let someone know in a grace-filled manner that I disapprove of their racist or derogatory remarks and/or actions toward another person or group. We are all somewhat wired to “go along to get along.” But we must learn to stand up for the commands and teachings of Jesus, while balancing this with patience and grace for others.

You know my mantra…people are watching! As my nieces and nephews become teenagers and “broaden their horizons,” I have become even more cognizant of how important it is to put Paul’s admonitions into practice…to keep a close watch on all that I do and think – and stay true to what is right in the eyes of Jesus. Paul has told us that if we do these things, God will bless us AND those we influence. I want to honor Him in every word and action of my daily living. I want our children and others to see an example of Christ’s love in action – and to be motivated to model this in their own lives. It’s a tall order – and a huge responsibility. But Jesus didn’t promise us “easy” now, did He?! Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for June 24, 2023 – Growing in our efforts to take tender care of God’s children…sometimes we need a “do over”

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15
Dear brothers, warn those who are lazy, comfort those who are frightened, take tender care of those who are weak, and be patient with everyone. See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to everyone else.

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

It happens to all of us…we have an experience that we don’t handle as well as we could/should. We react and respond in ways that are simply not the best, to be generous. And often, we look back and think, “I handled that poorly.” Sometimes we may be downright ashamed of how we behaved. Many times, we wish for a “do over.”

I’ve decided this is not always a bad thing…and here’s why. If we feel unsettled or remorseful about how we spoke or acted toward someone, this signals that the Holy Spirit is convicting us…and we are aware of an area that needs improvement. There are plenty of people who apparently have no qualms with judging or berating another…speaking in anger…or “taking someone down a notch or two.” We are human, and we will make mistakes. But when we recognize them, express regret – and even seek forgiveness when/where possible – this signals growth in our Spiritual relationship.

Paul reminds us in this passage to be intentional in our daily living…to carefully consider our words and actions. In other passages of scripture, Paul has told us that the devil is always present and looking for any opportunity to cause us to speak in anger or harsh criticism, to try to play “tit for tat,” and to make others feel inferior in some manner. Here, he gently suggests that we stay on guard and do our best to always represent the love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness of Jesus. Thankfully, we serve a God of “do overs” – and we will hopefully have plenty of opportunities to demonstrate that we learned from our mistakes.

So, the next time you treat someone with anything less than “tender care” and patience, quickly seek forgiveness – from that person, if possible, but also from God. Make every effort to do better afterward. As a dear friend once put it, “Kill ‘em with kindness!” Love others with the love of Christ, even when you feel they don’t deserve it! Make every effort to always treat others as you wish to be treated. And while you’re at it, be gentle with yourself. We are all fallible and completely dependent on the grace of God. Call on the Holy Spirit to set you upright, keep you in the word and will of Jesus Christ – and send the devil packing! People are watching and listening…make every effort to always show them Jesus! Alleluia, and Amen!

Daily Devotional for June 23, 2023 – Trusting the Holy Spirit…and staying consistent!

1 Thessalonians 1:2-5
Every time we think of you, we thank God for you. Day and night you’re in our prayers as we call to mind your work of faith, your labor of love, and your patience of hope in following our Master, Jesus Christ, before God our Father. It is clear to us, friends, that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special. When the Message we preached came to you, it wasn’t just words. Something happened in you. The Holy Spirit put steel in your convictions.

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.

Once again, I turned to the cartoon “Pickles” this morning and found inspiration. A little boy was asking his grandmother for another popsicle. The grandmother told him one was enough, but the little boy persisted. So, the grandmother said, “Okay, okay, FINE!” The grandfather (who is the cynic in this comic strip) said, “You shouldn’t always give in to him…you need to be consistent.” The grandmother replied…“I don’t always give in to him. Sometimes I’m consistent, and sometimes I’m not!”

I think this sums up a lot of us, particularly when it comes to our kids! Sadly, we could often say the same about our relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. We are “sometimes consistent…and sometimes not.” We are sometimes patient, and other times terribly restless and anxious. Paul is reminding us that when we became redeemed followers of Jesus and called on the Holy Spirit, we were supposed to go “all in.” He put steel in our convictions…some of us just don’t recognize – or utilize – this strength and power.

Now is the time to “walk the walk” and “talk the talk” with Jesus. There is no need for inconsistency. The Holy Spirit is guiding and guarding us. I will be the first to tell you that we will all slip…we all face moments of doubt and discouragement. But remember the words of Paul and how the Holy Spirit has His hand on us for something special. By His strength and power, we can keep the faith, labor for Jesus, and stay patient and hopeful.

Remember WHO is within you and giving you supernatural power and strength. Remember that many others are praying for you…just as you are surely praying for many who have no firsthand knowledge of this. Prayer works! There are people who lift you and remember you to Jesus every day – and thank Him for you and the work you are doing to bless the lives of others and further His Kingdom. So keep going…keep trusting…pray for each other and encourage friends and loved ones with words of love and support. Do your dead level best to be consistent in your Kingdom work. And on the days when you falter, ask the Holy Spirit to renew you and get you back on track. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for June 22, 2023 – God is most careful with us…how are we treating Him in return?

1 Peter 5:6-8
So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.

Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up.

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.

Our 14-year-old nephew, Timothy, is visiting us for a couple of days. As hard as it is to believe, this little boy who just “yesterday” was playing with dinosaurs and watching “Jack’s Big Music Show” on Nick Jr. TV now towers over me by almost two inches and has a deep voice and a mustache! Rather than talk about dinosaurs and imaginary worlds, we discuss his future, coursework as he enters high school this fall, and historic events. This kid loves history and theater – and (for now) he hopes to combine the two someday as a teacher of both.

We’ve talked a lot about “life,” as well. When 14-year-old boys are not sleeping or eating, the are frequently trying to figure out their place in this world…find their friend group…and discover where and how they fit in – at school, with others, and even in the community at large. More than once in the last few days, Greg and I have assured our boy, “You have plenty of time to figure that out,” or “Don’t rush into XYZ.” We remind him often of how valued and loved he is by us and others…and what a great potential he has to achieve much in the next few years. We have also reminded him that he has nothing to prove to us – or to anyone. We will love him always…and God has a perfect plan for him.

A dear friend and I have been talking in recent weeks about how we are counseling our children that winning isn’t everything…that we don’t always get the part, make the cut, or fit in with the group. And we have both shared specific instances where we didn’t “win” – but this turned out to be to our benefit. Even as adults, we find that there are situations that do not work out as we hoped and planned…but God had something better in store for us.

This passage is such a good one that I think I will text it to our kids. There is good “meat” here about trusting God, waiting on His plans and timing…and keeping on guard against the devil’s attempts to derail us. I know that we all want what is best for our children, and this reminds me just how much God wants His best for each of us. I am gaining a whole new appreciation for how much God loves you and me. And I am determined to do all I can to not only remain as faithful and patient with His timing and plans as I can – but to instill this hope and perseverance in our children.

Be content with who you are as a follower of Jesus and a precious child of God. Stay humble and keep on guard against the wiles of the devil. And always trust that God loves you and wants you to have His very best. Live every day in the hope and confidence of this amazing promise. Alleluia, and Amen!

Daily Devotional for June 21, 2023 -Being in the thick of what Christ experienced…He’s sitting on the “bench” beside you!

1 Peter 4:12-13
Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.

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.

I follow a comic strip called “Pickles” in our daily newspaper. It’s about an older couple and their “retirement” antics and issues. They also bicker about a lot of things, and the husband can be particularly cynical. In today’s offering, the man is sitting on a park bench with another man and asks, “Why does everything in life have to be so hard?” The man replies, “Good question. Do you mean the daily struggle to provide oneself with the basic necessities of life…or are you referring to the more transcendental attempt to find inner peace in a hostile universe?” The first man replies…“No. I was mainly referring to this bench. It’s killing my keister!”

“Why does everything have to be so hard?” This seems to be the question a lot of people are asking, along with pondering when all the chaos, dissension, poor health and more will come to an end. You can probably fill in the blank with your own frustrations and challenges. Paul reminds us that the one thing we do not want to do is question God’s presence and protection. Some days, you may feel as if you are all alone. Even Jesus expressed His frustration in the Garden of Gethsemane, as He asked the disciples to pray with Him…and then He asked God if there was any way to achieve His plans besides the crucifixion. Of course, we know that this was not God’s plan…and Jesus ultimately accepted His will.

When Paul tells us that Jesus understands our “sufferings,” he is making the understatement of all time. Jesus knows what “hard” things we are facing. And He is right there with us. Every time we come out “on the other side” of something, we have a little better understanding of God’s plan for us. Learn to feel the presence of Jesus in the form of His Holy Spirit. Acknowledge that when you “sit on a hard bench,” Jesus is right there with you.

Anticipate that better days are ahead. I can’t promise when, where, or how…but I believe this wholeheartedly. I have “sat on some hard benches,” and Jesus was right there beside me. As new frustrations and challenges arise, I remind myself of the things the Holy Spirit guided and guarded me through, and my hope is renewed. He will do this over and over – for each of us. I don’t know if I can go as far as Paul suggests and actually welcome difficulties and the opportunity to grow through them. But I will do all I can to accept what God allows in my life – and learn from it.

Life is a series of seasons. Regardless of the “softness” of your “bench” today, Jesus is right there with you. His Holy Spirit surrounds you. Feel His presence and go forward with hope. Jesus will support and sustain you in the days to come. Sometimes, we feel like relief will never come, but remember…in the scheme of things, glory is just around the corner! Alleluia!

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