February 2024 – Daily Devo Time

Daily Devotional for February 29, 2024 – Don’t give the devil a chance…and don’t make God sad…it’s time to choose Who you will follow!

Ephesians 4:25-32
We are part of the same body. Stop lying and start telling each other the truth. Don’t get so angry that you sin. Don’t go to bed angry and don’t give the devil a chance.

If you are a thief, quit stealing. Be honest and work hard, so you will have something to give to people in need.

Stop all your dirty talk. Say the right thing at the right time and help others by what you say.

Don’t make God’s Spirit sad. The Spirit makes you sure that someday you will be free from your sins.

Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don’t yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.

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

In Genesis 4:9, God asks Cain to account for the whereabouts of his brother, Abel. Cain asks God, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Of course, God knew what had happened…and Cain was trying to cover his tracks and hide the fact that he had just killed his brother! What does this have to do with these admonitions from Paul to the Ephesians? The point is that God sees and hears everything. He knows our every word and action…and more importantly, God knows our intent! Moreover, when we give the devil a chance and/or succumb to the will of mere mortals, we often grieve God and make his Spirit sad.

I was visiting with a friend who is a retired juvenile judge, and he explained to me that in law, some things are considered a crime when done in a specific setting – but they are allowable in others. Specifically, we were talking about cases of sexual misconduct and abuse with children “of the age of consent.” He explained that if an adult met an “of-age” teen at a diner and struck up a conversation that led to sexual activity, this could be ruled “consensual.” But if this same adult approached this teen in the same manner at school or at church, such behavior could be deemed “sexual misconduct.” Perhaps God directed Paul to offer specifics about how we should behave because we humans are prone to playing fast and loose with interpretation and semantics, just as Cain did when confronted directly about what had become of Abel.

God knows when we allow the devil even a chance to cause us to falter. He knows when we manipulate the facts and twist words and actions to suit our own agenda…or to gain favor with others. And many of our behaviors truly grieve God. Are you okay with this? I’m not! The last thing I ever want to do is to grieve God. I truly don’t want to upset or embarrass my family and friends, but my number one responsibility is to my Heavenly Father. And frankly, if I please him, nothing and no one else matters! They will either get over it or they won’t. But the stakes are too high – and our reward was too costly to our Savior, Jesus Christ – for us to worry about what the world thinks!

Search your heart and mind. Ask God to show you where you might be listening to the devil – or even entertaining the possibility of indulging him. Don’t twist and turn the details to suit your own agenda – or to fit in with the crowd. Don’t give the devil a chance…and don’t make God’s Spirit sad. And do not judge others who may be struggling with peer pressure and making some questionable decisions in the process. Pray that they hear God’s voice and turn to Him instead of the devil. Above all, be kind, merciful, and forgiving, just as God forgives you. We are not our “brother’s keeper,” but we are all God’s children. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for February 28, 2024 – Coming together to operate in 𝑮𝒐𝒅’𝒔 truths…there is power in our collective efforts!

Ephesians 4:14-16
We must stop acting like children. We must not let deceitful people trick us by their false teachings, which are like winds that toss us around from place to place. Love should always make us tell the truth. Then we will grow in every way and be more like Christ, the head of the body. Christ holds it together and makes all of its parts work perfectly, as it grows and becomes strong because of love.

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

A few days ago, we got word that our friends’ seven-year-old grandson had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Requests for prayers were issued, and three days later, memes appeared on social media with pictures of this precious boy (who apparently loves the color green). Surgery was performed, and the tumor was removed. It remains to be seen whether there are residual cells…and little Graham is not out of the woods yet. The tagline on social media is #GoGreenforGraham. I invite you to join in prayers for this sweet little boy and his family. The specific requests for today are a clear MRI…no deficits as Graham continues to heal…and minimal/no pain. As I write this, word has just come that the MRI indeed is clear, so all of the tumor was removed.

I realize you may not know this little boy, but I assure you that God will hear your prayer(s) on his behalf – as well as prayers for anyone else for whom you offer petitions. Here’s the thing…people across all “walks of life” are coming together to pray for this little boy. People on both sides of the political aisle are praying. People from every economic level, race, sexual orientation, age, and social class are praying. And God hears every word. People are demonstrating love for a seven-year-old boy they never met – and didn’t know existed five days ago…and God is listening. Does this mean that God would not heal this child if we didn’t pray? I cannot say this for certain, but I do know that Jesus prayed…He believed there was power in speaking directly with God about what was on His heart and mind. If this was important to Jesus, this is yet another “teaching” that should be important to us to make part of our own daily living.

As I read this passage, the words stuck out to me about how love makes us tell the truth and helps us grow in every way to be more like Christ. When we work together, great things can happen. This is “peer pressure” at its finest…using our collective energy and faith for a right and true purpose – GOD’s purpose. Imagine if we did this all the time. What if we stopped twisting the “facts” to suit our own agendas? What if we let the scriptures speak for themselves and didn’t add or subtract to fit our personal biases or line our pocketbooks? What if we quit worrying so much about what others think, say, and do, and committed fully to living as Christ commands and demonstrated? The power that is exhibited when a group coalesces around the prayer needs of a small child could be used for God’s glory – if only we would set aside our personal selfishness and prejudice and focused solely on serving in God’s truths.

We cannot deny the power of one person to change hearts and minds. We have seen how an individual can persuade thousands of others to speak and act with hatred, animosity, and disparagement – and even to act on these behaviors with physical outburst and violence. Imagine if this same “energy” was applied to words and acts of love, positivity, unity, and the truths of God Almighty! A simple shift from selfishness and hatred could radically change our world. We like to talk about the power of prayer to change things. It’s time to “put our money where our mouth is,” so to speak…and “walk the walk” of living in God’s truth.

Pray for Graham and others fighting illness and injury of any kind. Our nightly dinnertime prayer is for all who are sick, suffering and in harm’s way. Ask God to show us all how to come together and operate fully in His truths…for the glory and building up of His Kingdom. And get ready to see miraculous things take place. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for February 27, 2024 – Following God’s commands…what He 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 say might be just as important!

Deuteronomy 6:1-9
The Lord told me to give you these laws and teachings, so you can obey them in the land he is giving you. Soon you will cross the Jordan River and take that land. And if you and your descendants want to live a long time, you must always worship the Lord and obey his laws. Pay attention, Israel! Our ancestors worshiped the Lord, and he promised to give us this land that is rich with milk and honey. Be careful to obey him, and you will become a successful and powerful nation.

Listen, Israel! The Lord our God is the only true God! So love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. Memorize his laws and tell them to your children over and over again. Talk about them all the time, whether you’re at home or walking along the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning. Write down copies and tie them to your wrists and foreheads to help you obey them. Write these laws on the door frames of your homes and on your town gates.

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

If you have time, read Deuteronomy 5, which outlines what we commonly refer to as “The Ten Commandments.” We’ve all heard these and read these many times…and in this passage, Moses tells the Israelites to memorize these laws and repeat them frequently to their children – and even write them down and tie the lists to their wrists and foreheads! Clearly, God impressed on Moses how important it is to know – and keep – these laws!

For me, what God didn’t say in these commandments is just as important as what was spoken. God did not say to pick and choose who to love. He did not say to treat some people one way – and others another. God did not say to insist on our own way…or to berate those who believe differently. Nowhere in the “Ten Commandments” does God say to disparage the poor, immigrants, the uneducated, those who practice another religion, or those who are “different” in some way.

God didn’t say it is okay to lie about certain people and groups – or to defraud anyone to line our own pockets. God did not say that certain people were “exempt” from these laws because of their “stature” or perceived position in the world. God did not give pastors, celebrities, and “leaders” at every level a pass on His commands. God did not say it is okay for certain people to disparage His name – and by this, I mean claim to be His servant while you lie, cheat, steal, and treat others poorly.

God was very clear that He is Supreme…that His commands are always to be internalized and implemented in all things. God promised a land of “milk and honey” – and even success and power – to those who follow His commands. These may not manifest as you envision or imagine. God does not intend for us to become arrogant and lord our blessings over others. Still, He promises to guide and guard all who adhere to His commands and honor them.

If we truly love and serve God, we must keep His commandments as He presented them – not as we interpret them. Perhaps it is time for some of us to experience a “reset” on this, and it is not too late to do so. Make this the day that you commit to serving God as He directs – regardless of whether this is popular or offers some sort of perceived “gain.” Make this the day that you truly love the LORD with all your heart, soul, and strength. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for February 26 – Listen to God and follow Him instead of the world…He’s the only God there is!

Deuteronomy 4:35-40
You were shown all this so that you would know that God is, well, God. He’s the only God there is. He’s it. He made it possible for you to hear his voice out of Heaven to discipline you. Down on Earth, he showed you the big fire and again you heard his words, this time out of the fire. He loved your ancestors and chose to work with their children. He personally and powerfully brought you out of Egypt in order to displace bigger and stronger and older nations with you, bringing you out and turning their land over to you as an inheritance. And now it’s happening. This very day.

Know this well, then. Take it to heart right now: God is in Heaven above; God is on Earth below. He’s the only God there is. Obediently live by his rules and commands which I’m giving you today so that you’ll live well and your children after you—oh, you’ll live a long time in the land that God, your God, is giving 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.

Yesterday, I watched Far from Heaven, a movie starring Julianne Moore, Dennis Quaid, Dennis Haysbert, and Patricia Clarkson. Made in 2002, this movie tells the story of a 1950s suburban housewife (played by Moore) who discovers that her businessman husband (played by Quaid) is gay. Subsequently, Moore engages in conversation with her gardener, who is black. They talked about everything from the passing of the man’s father to their children…relatively mundane, everyday conversations in which many people engage.

I won’t go into a full synopsis here, but suffice it to say that in 1957, the upper class white families of Hartford, Connecticut (and pretty well every other city in the United States) were disgusted by the thought of homosexuals – and white housewives engaging in friendly conversations with black men. And the characters in this movie were judged by their peers and reacted as one would expect to the disparity, discrimination, and downright hatred shown to them. As I watched the credits roll on this movie, I remembered seeing it in 2002 – and my initial reaction was, “Not much has changed in the last 20+ years – much less since the 1950s when this story was to have taken place!”

We are still drawing lines in the sand…and worshiping what others think more than what God says. We are still hanging on to every word and action of those we have appointed as would-be kings and queens. If you don’t believe me, I have two names for you – Taylor Swift and Beyoncé…or maybe you prefer to insert the name of your favorite politician or evangelist. I remember my maternal grandfather revering every word spoken by Billy Graham and Rex Humbard, two evangelists of his day who may have been perfectly fine men. But they were not God! However, if Rex or Billy said it, Grand-dad supported it! And he had plenty of company.

Today, too many of us hang all our faith and trust on a mere mortal – or the ideas and opinions of a particular person or group. And the results are earmarked for disaster. Sometimes, we are duped into believing that these people are “of God,” and somehow their thoughts, words and actions are endorsed by our Heavenly Father. Often, we know better…but it just feels so good to support this person or group and the “ideals” being spouted. Let me remind you that God will not be mocked. He knows when we twist and turn things to justify our words and actions. He knows when we hide behind His name – or claim the name of Jesus – and lie, cheat, steal, discriminate, disparage, and judge. And God is not the least bit amused!

Again, I suggest that we all take out our Bibles and start reading what GOD has to say. Look for passages that convey His thoughts and commands. Ask yourself hard questions… “Am I following God’s will – or that of my peers? Why does this matter so much to me…and does it matter to God? What am I afraid of…and do I really trust God to take care of me? Is God truly enough in my life…or am I desperate for the approval of others? Can I fully let go and let God have complete control…and if not, why is this?” We must realize that the “gods” we believe are so important to us really don’t matter at all. The God of heaven and earth is the only God there is…and He is waiting for us to turn to Him and give Him our full attention. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for February 25 – Choose carefully Who you will worship…and follow His commands to the letter!

Deuteronomy 4:23-24; 29-31
Always remember the agreement that the Lord your God made with you, and don’t make an idol in any shape or form. The Lord will be angry if you worship other gods, and he can be like a fire destroying everything in its path.

In all of your troubles, you may finally decide that you want to worship only the Lord. And if you turn back to him and obey him completely, he will again be your God. The Lord your God will have mercy—he won’t destroy you or desert you. The Lord will remember his promise, and he will keep the agreement he made with your ancestors.

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

Yesterday, I shared a meme that said, “Don’t tell someone you love them, and then vote for someone who will hurt them.” This reminder could be expanded into other areas of our daily living. Here’s an example of how often we “open mouth, insert foot.” I was talking with my dear friend Doug the other day, and I said something about “that only child syndrome,” and Doug (an only child with an only child) laughed and said, “Hey now!” I caught myself and began apologizing. Like the dear friend he is, Doug laughed even more and said, “That’s okay – it happens all the time.” But this served as a reminder to me that words matter – even seemingly “innocent” comments among friends. Now imagine all the selfish, hateful things spewed in our world – and how they land with others! You can see the ramifications and “ripple effect” of this!

Our words and actions matter greatly – to God and to others. When we start to care more about what others think and/or gaining the approval of the world rather than what God desires, we’ve gotten off course. This is definitely a form of idol worship. Anytime we are paying credence to the words and actions of a human being – especially when we know that they do not line up with God’s command to “love others” – we have turned our back on God. I once mentioned to my then-pastor something hateful and hurtful someone had done to me, and he said, “But I’ve seen you interact with this person, and there is love there!” I told him yes…God expects it of me. I cannot be unloving toward another just because he/she has been this way toward me. I also cannot join in when others berate a person or group, discriminate against them, treat them with disdain or even hate – or try to enact legislation that would hurt them in some way.

The God who loves you and me loves all others just as much. And the amazing things is that when we stop misbehaving and return to Him with genuine remorse and a desire to worship only Him, God is ready and willing to receive us with open arms! How amazing is this?!

I have been bombarded lately with examples of people who claim to know and love Jesus even while operating in hate, discrimination, bigotry, bias, and downright selfish arrogance. They are listening to the words of others who operate in these same evil trades (or they are listing to the devil’s words in their ear)…and they are distorting scripture to fit their personal narrative. And I am convinced that God is not amused. How do I know this? I know how convicted I felt in my own heart even as I made the offhanded “innocent” comment to my friend. God sees and hears everything we say and do! This should be enough to keep us on “the straight and narrow path!”

Get out your Bible and start reading. If you need a list of scriptures that detail God’s commands and Christ’s teachings, I’ll be glad to help you find them. I could probably use that list myself! Stop listening to the world and putting their spin on God’s words. Start trusting what God says. There are plenty of scripture passages that quote God or Jesus directly. READ THESE! Trust God’s directives and internalize them in your every word and action…and worship only Him. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for February 24, 2024 – Remember what God has done for you – and always aim to please 𝑯𝒊𝒎!

Deuteronomy 4:5-10
No other nation has laws that are as fair as the ones the Lord my God told me to give you. If you faithfully obey them when you enter the land, you will show other nations how wise you are. In fact, everyone that hears about your laws will say, “That great nation certainly is wise!” And what makes us greater than other nations? We have a God who is close to us and answers our prayers.

You must be very careful not to forget the things you have seen God do for you. Keep reminding yourselves, and tell your children and grandchildren as well. Do you remember the day you stood in the Lord’s presence at Mount Sinai? The Lord said, “Moses, bring the people of Israel here. I want to speak to them so they will obey me as long as they live, and so they will teach their children to obey me too.”

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

Yesterday, I “early voted” ahead of our state’s participation in the Super Tuesday primary on March 5. Voting is a right and a privilege that I do not take lightly. I prayerfully considered each checkmark. I did my homework and researched the candidates. I did not vote “party politics,” and I didn’t choose candidates based on what I thought my friends would endorse. I fully understand that mine is only one vote…but I also know that every vote counts. So, I asked God to guide my decisions and help me vote as if my ballot was going to determine each outcome. And you should do this, too.

The second paragraph of this passage really spoke to me today…“You must be very careful not to forget the things you have seen God do for you.” Remember what God has done for you – not a person…not a church body…not your friends and family…GOD. Consider everything you do considering what He has done in your life…and how He is guiding you. I believe that many people know in their soul when God is telling them to speak and act in one way – even as they decide to go in a different direction. We must be very careful to always listen to God…and act as He directs.

The words of God in this passage also remind us that people.are.watching…your children are watching…your friends, neighbors and co-workers are watching. Your fellow believers are watching. And they are all asking, “Does this line up with what God says – and with the teachings of Jesus? Do these words and actions constitute love for all others, or are these the behaviors of someone who is self-centered, eager to fit in and be popular, and/or misinformed and spouting untruths?” When a person says, “I love Jesus,” or “I am a Christian,” and then he/she operates in name calling, disparagement of others, hatred, bigotry and bias, and dishonesty or playing fast and loose with the facts, people will question their sincerity, at best. Often, they will be left scratching their heads…and many will say, “If this is what it means to follow Jesus, I don’t want any part of it.”

The laws of God that Moses gave to us are still solid. God still reigns supreme…He is still close to us and answers our prayers. When we ask Him to guide and guard us, God will do this…in everything from our daily living to how to vote at the polling booth. It is time for us to choose Who we will truly serve, and listen to Him…not the world. We know what is right and true…and God does not look the other way when people sin and claim His authority. I tell you plainly, the only One we should aim to please is God. When we live, speak and act in His will, He will handle everything else. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for February 23, 2024 – It’s time to be like Daniel…and trust God to guide and guard us!

Daniel 6:1-10
Darius divided the kingdom into 120 provinces, each under a governor. The governors were accountable to three presidents (Daniel was one of them) so the king could administer the kingdom efficiently.

Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other presidents and governors, for he had great ability, and the king began to think of placing him over the entire empire as his administrative officer.

This made the other presidents and governors very jealous, and they began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling his affairs so that they could complain to the king about him. But they couldn’t find anything to criticize! He was faithful and honest and made no mistakes. So they concluded, “Our only chance is his religion!”

They decided to go to the king and say, “King Darius, live forever! We presidents, governors, counselors, and deputies have unanimously decided that you should make a law, irrevocable under any circumstance, that for the next thirty days anyone who asks a favor of God or man—except from you, Your Majesty—shall be thrown to the lions. Your Majesty, we request your signature on this law; sign it so that it cannot be canceled or changed; it will be a ‘law of the Medes and Persians’ that cannot be revoked.”

So King Darius signed the law.

But though Daniel knew about it, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs bedroom, with its windows open toward Jerusalem, and prayed three times a day, just as he always had, giving thanks to his God.

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

Oh, King Darius! The man was obviously vain and readily entertained the accolades and suggestions that he should be worshiped like a god! Sound familiar? Sadly, we are not all that far removed today from the modern-day equivalent of throwing people into a lions’ den if they do not conform to certain “norms” of society – and worship at the feet of rulers and wannabe leaders who have actually told us they want to be dictators – or like a present-day tyrant! The question becomes, are we ready and willing to be modern-day “Daniels” and continue to worship God and follow His mandates?

If you read the rest of Daniel 6, you will review the familiar story of how Daniel was thrown to the lions – and God shut the mouths of the felines and protected His servant. You will also read that the King was convicted of the foolishness and error of his decision to incarcerate Daniel in the first place – and he was glad to learn that God had rescued his faithful agent.

I am not so sure that all modern-day “kings” or would-be kings would experience such remorse! So, you and I must be prepared to suffer consequences when we stand up for whatever God commands and directs. And yes, Daniel’s experiences were extreme. You and I might never experience abuse and/or condemnation – at least on this scale. But we have no guarantee…and events of the last few years especially have shown us the arrogance, selfishness, and downright desperation of some in an attempt to secure power and be revered by others.

There are two lessons in these verses from Daniel…1) the greed and egoism of those who wish to rule and be worshiped…2) Daniel’s example of faithfulness and obedience to God at all costs. We need to be like Daniel, no matter how scary or difficult it may become. We need to trust God’s example of care and protection over those who serve Him. There is no time to waste…we can’t wait another minute. Ask God to guide and guard you this day as you navigate the challenges of this world. Remember Daniel…be like him…and trust God to carry you through safely. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for February 22, 2024 – Following the world – or God…it’s time to choose wisely!

Daniel 3:1-13
King Nebuchadnezzar made a gold statue ninety feet high and nine feet wide and set it up on the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon; then he sent messages to all the princes, governors, captains, judges, treasurers, counselors, sheriffs, and rulers of all the provinces of his empire, to come to the dedication of his statue. When they had all arrived and were standing before the monument, a herald shouted out, “O people of all nations and languages, this is the king’s command:

“When the band strikes up, you are to fall flat on the ground to worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s gold statue; anyone who refuses to obey will immediately be thrown into a flaming furnace.”

So when the band began to play, everyone—whatever his nation, language, or religion—fell to the ground and worshiped the statue.

But some officials went to the king and accused some of the Jews of refusing to worship!

“Your Majesty,” they said to him, “you made a law that everyone must fall down and worship the gold statue when the band begins to play, and that anyone who refuses will be thrown into a flaming furnace. But there are some Jews out there—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, whom you have put in charge of Babylonian affairs—who have defied you, refusing to serve your gods or to worship the gold statue you set 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.

A few months ago, I shared this story with our kids. I told them that the Bible has some stories that rival any “adventure” movie on the market – and this is surely one of them! Yes, this was a ploy to entice the kids to study scripture. We read several stories from the book of Daniel…and this led to reading other scripture – and some lively discussions. But for today’s purposes, I want you to consider this story in light of the crowd – and the three men who defied the edict to bow down and worship this golden idol.

You and I have this same dilemma today. We are being told by many to “believe this” or “worship that.” In many instances, the ramifications of defiance are swift and sure – everything from being ostracized by others to downright physical harm in some cases. The latter has not happened to me, thankfully, but even in our little town in rural Arkansas, I try to be careful about what I say and to whom I say it! The pressure to “go along” with those in the group is profound, and people say and do things every day that astound me on one hand – but are understandable on another – as they strive to fit in with the group.

This is why the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is so important. If you read “the rest of the story” in Daniel 3, you will see that God protected these men for standing strong in their faith and their allegiance to Him. This is the message for you and me today. We must stand strong in what we know God is telling us.

I remember walking one morning and praying, and I fervently told God, “If I lose everything and everyone in my life and still have You, I will be okay.” I cannot tell you exactly why and how I came to this, but it was literally a life-changing moment. I meant it wholeheartedly, and I have tried to live in this commitment every day since. Has this been “costly” at times? Yes, but not in a way that truly matters in the scheme of things. I don’t mean to sound arrogant or insinuate that I don’t value relationships with others. But at the end of the day, you and I must make a serious choice…the world or God. It’s time to choose wisely.

This 9th day of Lent, let’s spend some time in prayer and contemplation. I am not a fan of “giving up something for Lent.” But in this case, I think we need to seriously and prayerfully give up our desire to fit in with the crowd. We need to care less about what others think – and more about what God desires. And we need to trust that He will be with us – even as we enter the “fiery furnace” of peer pressure and possible condemnation or exile. Remember the words of Joshua 24:15 (KJV)… “choose you this day whom ye will serve,” and believe that God will always prevail and protect you. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for February 21, 2024 – God thinks highly of you – it’s time to know your worth!

Daniel 10:4-12
Then, on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, I was standing on the banks of the great Tigris River, when I looked up and saw someone dressed in linen and wearing a solid gold belt. His body was like a precious stone, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming fires, his arms and legs like polished bronze, and his voice like the roar of a crowd. Although the people who were with me did not see the vision, they became so frightened that they scattered and hid. Only I saw this great vision. I became weak and pale, and at the sound of his voice, I fell facedown in a deep sleep.

He raised me to my hands and knees and then said, “Daniel, your God thinks highly of you, and he has sent me. So stand up and pay close attention.” I stood trembling, while the angel said:

Daniel, don’t be afraid! God has listened to your prayers since the first day you humbly asked for understanding, and he has sent me here.

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

The news crew on CBS This Morning interviewed psychologist Lisa Damour, who has written a book titled The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents. Since I have not read this book, I will not offer a link here, but you can find it on Amazon if you are interested. What struck me during the interview were the author’s comments about girls and boys – and their body image. She noted that her Instagram is packed with how-to reels for folding clothes, but they don’t make her obsessed with folding clothes. However, when a teen is bombarded with images of super thin, ultra-fit young people, they decide this is the “norm” and may go to unrealistic lengths to achieve this “look” for themselves.

As our kids enter the teenage years – and I’ve started to reflect on my own experiences at that age – I realize how many people (especially children and teens) don’t know their worth. I have also visited with young women who are struggling to keep all the balls in the air…or kids who just want to fit in…and even some older people who can’t seem to find their “place” in this world. When I combine this with my own life experiences, I realize that too often, we are not aware of our value in this world. And this was the issue for Daniel.

Hear the words of the angel to Daniel…“God has listened to your prayers since the first day you humbly asked for understanding.” Let this settle in your soul…“Your God thinks highly of you…so stand up and pay close attention.”

Everywhere we turn, there are comments, actions, and images to suggest that you and I are not “good enough.” We are too fat, too thin…too smart or not smart enough…to poor or rich and snobby…too ugly – or even too beautiful. We are too clumsy and unathletic – or the person others roll their eyes over and declare to be an “overachiever.” Often, it seems like you and I just can’t win! But God begs to differ!

Know your worth. Know how much God loves you – and how precious you are to Him. Understand that He thinks highly of you. When you start to understand and internalize this truth, your attitude toward other “influencers” will change. It may still sting if a friend or group chooses to judge or step away for some reason, but you will still know that you are loved and valued highly by your Most High God. This insight also comes with responsibility…we must not become arrogant. Notice that the angel spoke of humbly asking for understanding from God. We must be careful to never operate with conceit or superiority. What God offers to us, He also offers equally to all others.

Know your worth…understand that God knows you, loves you, and thinks highly of you. It is time for us to live up to God’s ideals…to fully be who and what He has designed us to be. And we are to encourage others to do the same. We cannot help others realize their full value and potential until we internalize this in our own hearts and minds.

Daniel was an amazing servant of God. But God designed you to be the same way! Make this the day that you start to accept this truth and embrace it. The time is here to live fully as beloved, redeemed believers and servants of God Almighty – and to encourage others to do the same. So, stand up and pay close attention! Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for February 20, 2024 – Making the most of every opportunity for sharing Jesus with others…it’s time to mind our words and “manners!”

Colossians 4:2-6
Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude. Don’t forget to pray for us, that God will open doors for telling the mystery of Christ, even while I’m locked up in this jail. Pray that every time I open my mouth I’ll be able to make Christ plain as day to them.

Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.

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.

Open mouth, insert foot…we’ve all done it. We have all said and done things that were insulting – even hurtful to others. This may have been totally by accident – or we may have meant every word we said in the vein of “I’m right and you are wrong.” In some cases, there may have been a misunderstanding over what was said and done. But in all cases, there is potential that our witness was harmed. Sometimes, the damage was so serious that we forever altered our relationship – or discipleship – with that person.

Consider how you speak and act in front of others – and even what you say to them directly. Is it kind? Does it disparage, criticize, or discriminate? Are you selfless in your words and actions…or is it clear that you are primarily concerned with serving your own interests?

Words and actions matter. When you speak to someone, the tone of your voice or what you say could result in this being your last encounter. All chances for future witness might be lost forever because of a single comment or behavior. The words of Paul in this passage are critical and must become our mantra…“Pray that every time I open my mouth I’ll be able to make Christ plain as day to them.” This means that every time we speak to someone else, we must ask God to guide and guard our words, so that they truly represent the love and teachings of Jesus.

The last thing you and I want is to be a hindrance to furthering God’s Kingdom. Read this passage… then read it again. Let Paul’s words settle in your heart and mind. Then make it your aim to live, speak, and act with intention as agents for Jesus Christ…to fully represent Him to others…and to always bring glory and honor to God. Alleluia!

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