Christian faith and discipleship

Daily Devotional for March 27, 2023 – Trusting Jesus to guide and guard us…how far are you willing to follow Him?

Luke 22:1-6
The Festival of Thin Bread, also called Passover, was near. The chief priests and the teachers of the Law of Moses were looking for a way to get rid of Jesus, because they were afraid of what the people might do. Then Satan entered the heart of Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve apostles.

Judas went to talk with the chief priests and the officers of the temple police about how he could help them arrest Jesus. They were very pleased and offered to pay Judas some money. He agreed and started looking for a good chance to betray Jesus when the crowds were not around.

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

Recently, Greg and I saw a television news interview with Michigan governor, Gretchen Whitmer. During the interview, talk turned to the spring of 2020, when armed demonstrators took over the Michigan state capitol building and threatened to kidnap and kill Governor Whitmer. Thankfully, she was not in the building at the time. The protestors were partly angry at Whitmer over her restrictive policies regarding COVID19 – but the resentments were far deeper for many. I truly believe Satan jumped right in the middle of this situation and stirred up lies and fears – and caused a lot of people to at least prepare to do unspeakable things.

Regardless of what side of the political aisle on which you sit, this is never the correct approach. And yet, it is one that the devil has taken advantage of forever. The priests and teachers didn’t like the words and actions of Jesus and His disciples, so they decided the thing to do was to kill him. Today, we hopefully are not willing to go this far, but too many of us are quick to judge, ostracize, and downright disparage “others” if we don’t like what they are saying – or we disagree with them on some level.

Just last week, a Florida school principal was forced to resign or be fired because a class of sixth-graders was shown photos of Michelangelo’s statue of David. A parent complained that this was pornography. You can look at states throughout the nation where laws are being enacted to, at best, widen the gap between certain people and groups – all in an effort to “protect the children.” Worse yet, many claim the name of Jesus – the very man against whom a plot to kill Him and try to shut Him up for good was developed and brought to fruition – as their justification!

As we approach Passover Sunday, it is time to renew our focus on the cross. We need to make this a year-round habit. But for now, let’s take a couple of weeks and really examine our hearts and minds…and the intention of Jesus and His birth, death, and resurrection. Where are we behaving like the chief priests? Heaven forbid, where have you and I become modern-day Judases – willing to sell our souls to the devil to fit in with a certain group or to further a personal agenda? How are we even unknowingly letting the devil have his way in our hearts and minds?

Spend as much time as you need talking to Jesus about this. Study the scriptures and ask Him to show you how and where you might need to make a shift in thought and attitude. Don’t be afraid of what others will think or do, if you know that Jesus is not in agreement. He will guide and guard you. That’s a big part of why He came for us! It’s time to trust Him completely – and demonstrate our faith and gratitude. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for October 14, 2019 – Shields up!

1 John 5:4-5
Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory. No one can defeat the world without having faith in Jesus as the Son of God.

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

The Sunday school lesson this week was about arming ourselves with the shield of God to fight against the sin and evil of the world. Our second and third graders made shields from cardboard circles covered in aluminum foil. They wrote temptations and challenges (such as “bullies”, “gossip”, “lying” and “cheating”) on paper “flames” that were then glued to little sticks to create “arrows”. We stuck the “arrows” into their shields…but they did not penetrate this protective “armor”.

The point was that we Christians will all face evil situations. We will be tempted to sin…to give in to outside forces and let them defeat us. But if we raise the shield of faith in God, these “arrows” will not pierce through this armor…and sin will be defeated.

Most children love a good shield. We have a couple of them in our costume closet, and our kiddos often fashion a shield out of a piece of cardboard for their imaginary “battles”. But you and I face real battles every single day. The world is truly a scary place in many ways. And it’s often tough to stand up to the rigors of the day. Satan and his agents are forever busy trying to make life hard for us.

But our faith in God is bigger than the evils of this world. Does this mean we won’t have troubles? Absolutely not! Our faith in God does not ensure that we will have a picture-perfect life with no challenges, heartaches, or disappointments. But it does ensure that we will be able to overcome all of these. When we focus on Jesus Christ, we can handle whatever the world slings our way. When we trust in Him, we can say, “I can do this! I can get through this difficult time. I don’t have to go along with the crowd. I don’t have to succumb to this temptation.” And God’s protection and care will make the difference.

With faith in God as our ultimate shield, we can defeat “the world”. It may be a daily challenge…but look Who is holding our hand and protecting us every step of the way! So raise your shield…keep the faith…call on God to help you defeat the enemy. And walk in victory with Jesus!

Here we go…shields up!

Daily Devotional for December 13, 2017 – Following the pattern

John 13:12-17
Then he said, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Master,’ and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other’s feet. I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do. I’m only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn’t give orders to the employer. If you understand what I’m telling you, act like it—and live a blessed life.

Timmy was disgruntled with me the other day because I wouldn’t allow him to do something rather ridiculous…and he said, “You’re just like Mom and Dad…you’re supposed to be different!” Later, he again told me that we were “just like Mom and Dad”…but this time, he added…”and GaGa and PawPaw!” I asked him exactly how he thought we were like his parents and grandparents, and he said, “You’re always making rules! You never let us have any fun!” I just had to laugh (though not where he could see me). Third grade boys can be incredibly sensitive!

Timmy knows better…he is a smart boy who understands that rules are important…and that Greg and I do indeed have them for their own safety and well-being. And he vacillates between telling us that we are “mean” and “bossy” and acknowledging how “fun” we are and how much he loves us! We try to treat our children with respect and give them plenty of leeway…but at the end of the day, we are the adults. We have rules…and we must command a certain level of respect from our little ones. We are some of their “life coaches” at this point…and our examples of how to speak and act properly matter.

Jesus laid down a pattern for us. He showed us that all people deserve to be shown love and respect. I’ll admit, there are quite a few “stinkers” these days who are hard for me to treat in this manner. As much as we grown-ups have a duty to set an example for our children…to lay down rules…and to find a balance between too much rigidity and a total free-for-all…we also have an obligation to represent Jesus properly to the world at large.

Toward this end, we must engage in words and actions that are thoughtful, loving and caring…but we must also show others that Jesus is to be revered and held in the highest esteem. His word is final…His commands are not to be diluted or discounted…His sacrifice must never be underestimated. What Jesus says and “does”…goes!

We must not set ourselves above another person. We must be willing to “wash his/her feet” in the name of Jesus. In terms of everyday words and actions, we must be willing to bite our tongue when the urge to lash out emerges. We must smile and treat the unlovely with kindness beyond what they merit. We must demonstrate at every turn that Christ’s love, grace, mercy and forgiveness are available to everyone…that there is no individual whose feet He won’t “wash”.

I know that our little ones understand in their hearts how deeply we love them…and they understand this beyond the shadow of a doubt. But I cannot say with certainty that others feel that I love them with the unconditional love of Christ. I’m afraid a few may have sensed my disdain…and possibly perceived it as condescension or an air of superiority on my part. This is not what Jesus intends from His disciples! And I must work to correct any misconceptions that my words and actions may have facilitated. What about you?

Daily Devotional for July 8, 2017 – Are you easy on others?

Luke 6:37-38
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”

There was a time when I would have been extremely critical of someone who was dealing with a screaming child in public. At the very least, I would not have understood…until I had to deal with a screaming child in public! Now I totally get that it goes with the territory. Children get tired, hungry, or just downright moody…and they throw tantrums. And trying to get them to stop – especially in public – often seems to be counterproductive, at best. I’ve looked at children lying in the floor “having a fit” while Mom tried her best to act like she didn’t see them – or care. I now have a whole new appreciation – and empathy – for her plight!

So when I hear someone say, “He/she should do something about that kid,” or worse…”I’d take that kid out of here and let him/her have it!”…I just cringe. As annoying as the noise can be…the embarrassment and frustration of what that parent and child are going through is far worse. I’ve learned to smile and say, “Bless your heart”…and try to convey that I totally feel the pain and angst. Somehow, that seems to make things a little less humiliating for them. At least they know ONE set of eyes and ears is not trained on them with criticism and disdain.

Now to be fair, my cousin told of a stop for lunch at a Cracker Barrel in Tennessee, where a mother at a nearby table insisted that a screaming toddler sit in a high chair…and the child clearly did not want to sit there. We agreed that a busy restaurant – mostly filled with adults – was not the place to unnecessarily make a point with a stubborn toddler! Still, the situation doesn’t call for us to be rude or unkind toward these people…and my cousin held her tongue.

Too many times, we are quick to judge. Many times, this was none of our business in the first place. But even when we are affected, we fail to put ourselves in the other person’s shoes far too often. Then all of a sudden, it’s our turn…and we are wondering where the grace, mercy and forgiveness of others went!

None of us is perfect. Some manage money better than others…some work harder…some are products of their upbringing or environment…some have just had a rough go of things and are down and out. Some are mentally or physically unwell…some are just misled and mistaken. Some are simply going through a really rough time. And on any given day, one or more of these traits could describe you and me.

Let’s stop being so hard on each other. Let’s take a collective breath and realize that we are all precious in the sight of Jesus. He died to give each of us the opportunity to be saved from our sins. The person you are so mad at…or don’t like for whatever reason…is just as important to Him as you are.

Try looking at others through Jesus’ eyes. Consider how He would see them…and how He would respond – and tailor your reactions accordingly. Be easy…and generous…and see how God blesses your efforts – for you AND the other guy. And the next time you see a screaming child in Walmart, say a little prayer for his/her parents!

Daily Devotional for May 10, 2017 – Are you keeping it simple?

2 Timothy 4:1-2
I can’t impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit. Just keep it simple.

This morning as I skimmed Facebook posts, I found a note a friend had shared that stopped me in my tracks. It was written by a woman named Sherry Feltrop-Brewer, who was camping last weekend on the Little Red River, just under the bluff from our house. On Friday, her husband, Lenny, got in his kayak and floated downriver to fish for rainbow trout. Three and a half hours later, Sherry collected Lenny and his catch for the day, and they returned to camp.

The couple enjoyed dinner and a game or two of cards…and then Lenny said he was going to get back in his kayak and float around for a little bit. Sherry got in her car and drove a few miles to find a spot to view the sunset and occupy her time. When she returned to camp, Lenny had not returned. Sherry notified authorities and family members, and then waffled between moments of fear and trepidation that she could not shake – and a sense of assurance that God was watching out for her Lenny and would take care of him.

The post is long and descriptive, but ultimately, the end is a tragic one. The kayak was found downriver…and the body of Lenny Brewer was found by rescue workers a few hours later.

Here’s the really profound part of the story…as the rescue personnel loaded this man’s body into an ambulance, Sherry Brewer ran to the scene and demanded to see her husband. The deputies and EMTs refused, saying that a family member must be with her. A brother-in-law appeared, and Sherry was allowed to see her husband. She said he had no visible scrapes or marks…and a soft, peaceful smile was on his lips. She recalled that a sense of calm came over her as she said “Good-bye” and thanked God for the life she had enjoyed with this man, who she knew was now with Jesus.

As this was happening, Sherry noted that her brother-in-law began to greet campers and others in the crowd and ask them, “Do you know Christ?” and to ask them if they would have the same sense of peace in such a situation? Later, he told his sister-in-law that he knew this was what Lenny would have done, were he the one in the body bag.

The post ends with a plea from this grieving widow for readers to cultivate a connection with Jesus. She urged those who don’t know Christ to discover the kind of relationship with Him that her husband experienced. She encouraged those with a stagnant faith to run to the cross and rediscover Christ. She challenged those who desire to be more like Christ to “keep your eyes on the prize”, even as you go into the world and share His message.

I don’t know this woman at all…but her message moved me. She reminded me that God is always watching – that Jesus is with us and knows what lies ahead. This account reiterated that people are also watching. What we say and do – and how we react – is important to our Christian witness and sharing the Good News of Jesus.

None of us knows what we would do if we were thrust into such a tragic situation…but I would hope that we would recognize Jesus’ presence – and lean on Him. We must keep Jesus on our minds and hearts at all times – and in all circumstances. Don’t ever quit…keep it simple…focus on Jesus! May God bless this family for their demonstration of this level of faith…and may we all do a better job in our own discipleship.

Daily Devotional for March 6, 2017 – Who Do You Think You Are?

Matthew 5:5
“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.

Who are you? No, really…how do you see yourself? Are you the sum of your belongings…your house, car, clothing and other possessions? Is your “worth” based on your intelligence…your pedigree…the color of your skin…your gender and sexual orientation…your occupation…your social circle…or your physical appearance?

When my mother began chemotherapy for Ovarian cancer, the doctor told her that she would lose her hair within two weeks of the first treatment. Almost to the day, Mother’s hair fell out in clumps. It had always seemed that my mother’s unruly, naturally curly hair was somewhat the bane of her existence. She wrestled with it for as long as I could remember and talked of many unpleasant hours spent as a child sitting while her mother or a “sitter” combed out the tangles and created “Shirley Temple” ringlets. And yet, when we “buzzed” her head, she would not even look in the mirror. Like many people, my mother’s hair was tied to her self-image.

I’m not telling you this to be critical of my mother. We all have things that we don’t even realize are significant to our idea of who we are. And maybe for my mother, the soft white curls that crowned her head in her last decade of life gave her a sense of personal identity and uniqueness – or something of a “shield” or covering. I know that when others think of her, they recall a woman of great integrity and caring who was always thinking about others, offering encouragement, and sharing the love of Jesus.

My mother was blessed…and so are you and I. We just may not realize HOW blessed we are. We may be letting something get in the way of true contentment. We may be focused on possessions…how we think others see us…what we have/have not accomplished in life…or something else equally insignificant to our true Christian faith and discipleship.

I’m not saying designer clothes or a product to grow longer, fuller eyelashes (if you can afford them) – or even that class you want to take to learn a new craft/skill – are wrong or wasteful. I’m not saying that friends aren’t important…that looking neat and clean and feeling good about yourself are bad things. But Jesus is telling us that we must examine what truly defines us…what really gives us contentment and self-worth. If anything comes ahead of the desire to please Jesus…and an appreciation for His blessings, we have missed the mark.

I look around quite often and want to pinch myself, because all that God has given me seems surreal at times. I am blessed with good health and a loving husband, children to love and opportunities to serve. Yes, I have been blessed with a lot of “creature comforts”, too…but they are all secondary. I have to remind myself of this from time to time…and maybe this is the day that we all need a cue to take another look at ourselves!

Ask yourself these questions…”What truly defines my self-worth? Where do I find comfort and contentment? Do I fully understand that I am enough in Jesus’ eyes without any adornments or ‘stuff’?” See if your answers line up with what Jesus is saying…and make any necessary adjustments. “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less.” What are you trying to add?

Daily Devotional for February 24, 2017 – What’s the Condition of YOUR “Soil”?

Matthew 13:20-21
The shallow, rocky soil represents the heart of a man who hears the message and receives it with real joy, but he doesn’t have much depth in his life, and the seeds don’t root very deeply, and after a while when trouble comes, or persecution begins because of his beliefs, his enthusiasm fades, and he drops out.

I cannot remember a time when I didn’t know about God. My earliest recollections include nightly prayers and little songs like “Jesus Loves Me”. My mother wrote of leaving my sister, brother and me with my Grandmother Polly…and returning to find her rocking us and reading her Bible – or studying her Sunday school lesson. I can picture both of my grandfathers sitting at night and reading their Bibles. I was “drug” to church every week until I married!

When my niece Jasmine was little, we talked a lot about God…and I know she and my mother and grandmother had a lot of talks about Him, too. Ever since Timothy was a little baby, I have talked to him – and then Zola and Nathan, also – about God. We’ve read “God books,” and I have sung songs to them about Jesus, Joseph and Mary. One of their all-time favorites is an old spiritual…”Mary Had a Baby, Yes, LORD!” Each verse ends with, “The people keep a comin’ but the train done gone.” I cannot say for sure, but it seems that this last line is a reference to the Underground Railroad – and the train being a “way out”…as Jesus’ coming denotes our way out of sin!

I share all of this to say that my siblings and I were “firmly planted and deeply rooted” in the teachings of Jesus long before we were old enough to even fully understand His tremendous gift and sacrifice. When we did start to comprehend what Jesus did for us on the cross…we were already in love with Him. Staying committed to Him was made easier because of the “nutrient-rich soil” in which we were situated…and the encouragement and nurture we received from others.

You and I have a responsibility…to share the love and teachings of Jesus Christ in such a way that others become firmly rooted in their faith and grow according to God’s will. Of course, we must first be well established…or we’ll be like the plant that Jesus describes in this passage. If a “heart” for Jesus is not ingrained in us, our efforts to serve Him will wane…and our witness will surely be affected.

How do we establish a strong “root system” for our faith? We must immerse ourselves in “all things Jesus”. We must pray…often and always. We must study scripture and physically make ourselves available to do the work of serving others in Jesus’ name. We must talk about our faith with fellow believers.

I am thankful for my Christian heritage…for Godly parents, grandparents and extended family that nurtured and encouraged me – and shared their wisdom and experience base. As our little ones grow in their faith and familiarity with Jesus, my heart is filled to overflowing with joy that they are “growing roots” that will hopefully sustain them for a lifetime and beyond to even more generations. And we are doing all that we can to provide them with “nutrient-rich soil” in which to establish these “roots”.

Even if you did not grow up in a nurturing, faith-filled environment, you can still have “deep roots.” You can start here…today…to do the things I have outlined that will enable you to develop a strong foundation on which to build and share your faith. You can fortify the “soil” with nutrients of prayer, Bible study, service, and Christian fellowship. And you can help to build a legacy that will endure for generations to come.

This is God’s calling on us as His children and faith-filled believers in Jesus. We are to fill His “garden” with beautiful, strong, healthy plants that bloom for His glory. Are you doing YOUR part in this process? Isn’t it time you did?

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