Devotionals

“Where Were You When the Lights Went Out?” by Billy Herald

In the dark! I guess we should ask, where were you Monday during the solar eclipse? I heard some of our members were in an airplane flying home from Florida. In the early 70’s there was a hit song Moon Shadow, and that’s what happened Monday.  The moon passed in front of the sun and blocked its light. Because we were in the path of the eclipse we were treated to a rare sight.

On Monday afternoon I was mowing in the field and at about 2:50 it went from a very sunny day to a strangely darkening afternoon. When I got to the house and saw Sheryl, Sloane, and Logan on the back deck looking toward the sun with the funny looking sunglasses on I put my glasses on and looked up at the disappearing sun! The Solar Eclipse lasted about 40 minutes. The headlines in the paper said: It was Eerie, It was scary, It was awesome! And I felt the same way.   It reminded me what a great God we serve as the one who hung the moon and the stars, who makes the sun rise and set.

Ah Lord God. Behold Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by Thy great power and stretched arm, and there is nothing too hard for Thee. Jeremiah 32:17

              It was about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. For the sun stopped shining, and the curtain of the Temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father into your hands I commit my Spirit.” When Jesus said that, he breathed His last. The centurion seeing what had happened said, “Surely this was a righteous Man.”  Luke 23:44-47

Today we understand the rotation of the Earth and the orbit of the moon.  More than 2000 years ago there was darkness on the whole land from noon to 3pm when our Lord and Savior was crucified! The Bible says,” The sun stopped shining!”  Even with our knowledge today, this would have been scary and frightening.  Like the centurion we too would have to recognize a great God.     

Brothers and Sisters, on Monday we got to witness the power of God through the solar eclipse!  My prayer is that mankind will understand that power and know His son Jesus. Then we can all say, “Yes, Jesus is a righteous Man.”

Looking up to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross! Hebrews 12:1

“BUT – When Goliath Taunts You” by Neville Buchanan

All Israel shivered. The loud bravado from the Valley of Elah had a bully’s ring to it. Goliath, the Philistine’s monster marine, issued his menacing call for a challenger, daily. “But” it was met with silence. For when “Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid” (1 Samuel 17:11).

You know how they felt. From time to time, some Goliath-sized “but” has issued a taunt against your faith and left you “dismayed and greatly afraid.” The bully sneers, “BUT you’ll never get out of debt…” or “BUT your marriage can’t be restored…” The jeers of the giants – fear, insecurity, addiction – have cast their long shadow over your valley of dreams.

Into just such a shadowy valley came a sunbeam of courage named David. While others cringed at Goliath’s, fear producing “buts”, David didn’t even consider them. His focus found a higher reality: “The battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47). David’s secret? A regimen of P.O.W.E.R. producing principles from God’s Word:

P- Perceive Sovereignty. David saw past the humanly impossible to the divinely possible. For he knew that “from him and through him and to him are all things” (Romans 11:36). Including the “Goliaths” of the world. Is a “but” taunting you? Then perceive God’s supreme sovereignty over it.

O- Obey God. David was “obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching” (Romans 6:17). His courage came from obeying God’s commands rather than the bully’s taunts. When “buts” intimidate you, take the next simple step of obedience to God.

W- Witness Faithfulness. David had seen God’s faithfulness before, and that emboldened him. You too “will be [His] witnesses” of faithfulness (Acts 1:8). Don’t let “spiritual amnesia” about God’s past provisions weaken your resolve.

E- Embrace Weakness. Sure, young David couldn’t have defeated Goliath on his own. But he didn’t try! “My power is made perfect in weakness,” God said (2 Corinthians 12:9). So, David embraced his limitations and God’s limitlessness.

R- Rely on Strength. David didn’t “lean on [his] own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). He trusted in God’s superior ability. For “from him and through him and to him are all things” – including the victory over your spiritual Goliaths.

Friends, the BUT-taunts may be “Goliath” loud, BUT “the battle belongs to the Lord!”

“True Confidence” by Andrew Ellis

What would you consider to be essential attributes a person could possess? While many answers could make sense, one of the most significant driving forces for anyone is confidence. What makes true confidence unique is that a lot of times, confidence is not consistent. Sometimes, someone’s confidence can look like a roller coaster. It can go up and down during different scenarios. What I mean by this is there are times when confidence is on full display. When life is going great, it can be easy to be confident. What happens to that confidence when life is not the best? What happens when there are some strange bounces life can throw at us? In essence, it is easy to be confident when we are winning. Do we maintain that same confidence when, metaphorically speaking, our backs are up against the wall?

This idea of confidence applies to living a Christian life. It is easy to maintain a strong faith when life is great. What happens when life becomes difficult? Does our confidence in our faith waver? For our confidence to be consistently high, we must know how to handle tough times. 

James 1:2-4 says,  “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Once we have our confidence established, we need to put it to good use. “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.”

In a world where it can be easy to lose confidence, we need to remain confident. We cannot allow outside influences to determine how we feel about ourselves. We can strive to accomplish many things when we have confidence in our faith and ourselves. 

“Samuel’s Steadfast Spirit” by Neville Buchanan

As his mother walked him to the tabernacle doors, little Samuel’s eyes must have grown wide. Dark clouds billowed from the corners of God’s house, which ought to have been a place of safety and love. Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of Eli (the High Priest), were bringing disgrace with their wicked ways.

Did Hannah wonder if Samuel could preserve his pure heart as she tenderly gave Eli charge of her small son? This child of God did not appear to belong in Eli’s chaotic world. However, Samuel would demonstrate that seedlings of faith can sprout even in corrupt soil.

Samuel “served the Lord” with excellence from the very beginning (1 Samuel 3:1). Among the cacophonous noise of sin, he trained his ears to hear the calling voice of God. Samuel looked for the one thing he needed, despite the world’s protestations of distractions: to sit at the feet of the Living God, and say … “Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening”.

Over time, Samuel observed self-centered leaders abusing their power. He witnessed people “turn aside after empty things” that profited nothing (1 Samuel 12:21). Samuel, however, firmly grounded himself on the unshakable truth that “the Lord will not forsake his people” (1 Samuel 12:22).

Samuel remained an oasis of persistent prayer and innocent trust in the midst of a spiritual wasteland. He resolved that “far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you” (12:23), taking no short cuts in his pursuit of righteousness.

Samuel had nurtured the unique ruby-red gemstone of unchanging excellence. He blocked out the world’s refracting gloom by concentrating on God’s bright presence. His was a life of ultimate significance, resolute faith, and inspirational consistency.

Friends, we too can brighten the night, for the same Spirit hovering over Samuel stirs deep within us.

“The Cross” by George Reagan

How do you explain the cross? Is it odd we look to an instrument of execution as lighthouse to provide the three things that will last forever: faith, hope, love? The cross has been used by many different governments to execute criminals and to inflict fear and suffering on the remaining public. I ask that you take time to read about the act of crucifixion. It is chilling to know that this form of execution has been used and documented in the 21st century.

I have always wondered why blood was required ever since the fall of man. Blood for sin. However, the author of Hebrews wrote “…it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” (Heb 10:4) Remember what Isaiah wrote in the introduction of his book (chapter one) to the rebellious Judah? The Lord was sick of their meaningless gifts, their sacrifices, their ceremonies, because of their sinful attitude and “…for your hands are covered with the blood of innocent victims…”.

I look at the cross and see on the crossbar things such as: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, greed, idolatry, anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, unfit language and lies. They cast darkness and have the appearance of putridity and smell like a trash dumpster. As I look closer, I see my own imperfect life with my sins. They are all covered with blood.

As I turn away, looking downcast and ashamed, I see the grave illuminated by a light from the top of the cross. The walls of the grave are bright white and these words stand out like 3-D etchings: tenderhearted, mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, faithfulness, hope, unfailing love – GLORY. They all surround this very large word – GRACE.

How do I explain the cross? It is the instrument which took away my guilt and shame and changed my rotten life and cleansed it to be as John wrote: “…children of God. … reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.” The blood on the cross never fads away and the light becomes brighter each day. Man used the cross as  punishment and hatred, God used it as salvation and love.

“Blessing Blockers” by Neville Buchanan

Internal barriers frequently stand in our way as we attempt to live lives that please God, keeping us from fully experiencing His blessings. These barriers, known as “blessing blockers,” can manifest in various forms, like Selfishness, Unforgiveness, Disobedience, and Pride.

Selfishness occurs when we put our own needs ahead of God’s will. According to James 3:16 ESV, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” Greed, self-centeredness, and a disregard for other people are examples of selfishness that run counter to the selfless love that Christ demonstrated.

The act of unforgiveness, harboring resentment, bitterness, or an unforgiving spirit towards others creates a rift in our relationship with God. The Bible says, “but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15, ESV). God’s blessings are impeded, and our hearts are poisoned by unforgiveness.

Obedience is crucial because willfully rejecting the principles and instructions revealed in Scripture is tantamount to rejecting God’s plan for our lives. “And Samuel said, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22, ESV). Disobedience can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including sinning, experiencing jealousy, or spreading untruths.

Pride can make us unaware of our need for God’s mercy and grace. It is a subtle but powerful blessing blocker. According to the Bible, “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6, ESV). The flow of the Lord’s blessings may be impeded when we put all our faith and confidence into our own ability and discernment.

Friend, will you start identifying and conquering these STOP signs in your life and allow God’s blessings to abundantly flow?

“Work Wisely” by Steve Proctor

He was a remarkable man, widely acknowledged not only for his sharp intellect but also for the depth of wisdom attributed to him—a gift he humbly ascribed to God. Solomon’s reputation preceded him, a legacy rooted in the annals of history as a testament to his  understanding of the human condition.

Solomon ascended to the throne amid a time of stability, his father’s conquests having secured the kingdom’s borders and vanquished its adversaries. Yet rather than bask in the spoils of victory, Solomon’s gaze was fixed on a grander vision: the construction of a temple dedicated to God, a symbol of his commitment to safeguarding the peace and prosperity of his realm.

Renowned for his wisdom, Solomon’s literary legacy extends far beyond mere royal decrees or edicts. He penned timeless wisdom literature, including the evocative Proverbs, the contemplative Ecclesiastes, and the poetic Song of Solomon, each offering glimpses into the complexities of human existence and the pursuit of divine understanding.

In this exploration, we turn our attention to Ecclesiastes, where Solomon, taking the mantle of the preacher, imparts timeless truths and cautions against the pitfalls of straying from one’s faith. His words ring with a raw honesty, a reflection born not only of scholarly inquiry but of lived experience and self-examination.

Within the pages of Ecclesiastes, Solomon grapples with life’s enigmatic nature, oscillating between moments of sublime revelation and existential despair. He confronts head-on the transient and ephemeral nature of existence, likening it to “chasing after the wind,” a futile pursuit that ultimately leads to disillusionment and emptiness.

Central to Solomon’s discourse is the concept of work, a theme that reverberates throughout Ecclesiastes and underscores the inherent dignity and purpose found in labor. He posits three objectives for work: to glorify God through diligent effort, to secure a livelihood through industriousness, and to seize opportunities for Christian witness and service to others.  None of these objectives is to gather wealth for ourselves or to hoard up treasures.  After all, they are merely vapors.

Solomon’s wisdom transcends the temporal concerns of wealth and power, urging readers to contemplate the deeper significance of their labor and its alignment with God’s divine purpose. In this pursuit lies the essence of true wisdom, a wisdom that encompasses both the mundane realities of daily life and the eternal truths that guide the human soul.

“God is For You” by Brad Herald

Do you ever think that because you aren’t “good enough” for God, that He will not save you? Or do you ever feel as if salvation is for everyone else but you?

Romans 8: 31 (NIV) “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Knowing God is for you should change your whole perspective on life. Hopefully, you’ll stop thinking of God as someone looking down from Heaven, ready to yell “gotcha!” any time you mess up. Instead, realize that God is for your success in life. He created you for a purpose, and He wants you to succeed in your faith.

Romans 8:32 – 35 “32He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?”

If God is for you, His Son is for you. If God gave His Son for you, He is not going to hold back the gift of salvation if you accept it. If Christ gave His life for you, He isn’t going to turn around andcondemn you.

Know that God’s good news is that He loves you on your good days just as much as He loves you on your “bad days.” He loves you when you can feel His love, and He loves you when you cannot seem to feel His love. He loves you whether or not you think you deserve His love. God is for you and there is nothing you can do that will make God stop loving you!

“What is the Motivation?” by Andrew Ellis

Recently, I came across a news story of a person doing good deeds for others. During this time, this person recorded themselves doing these great deeds. After these events transpired, this person proceeded to post these experiences on the internet. While it is admirable to see someone have the heart of a servant, I did not understand the purpose of sharing such events for the world to see. What was the motivation for doing this? Why do others need to know of the good works that we do? 

As Christians, what motivates us to do great deeds? What motivates us to serve? Are we seeking attention for what we do, or do we serve because it is the right thing to do? In the book of Matthew, we see Jesus address this. In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus says, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

When we do good things, even if we receive praise, that should not drive us to do those things. We need to have the awareness to recognize what drives us. Our driving force should not be personal gain; rather, it should be because it is the right thing to do. 

While sharing our experiences with others could be natural, let us be careful how we go about that. Rather than being eager to share the good works we do, we should thank our Father in Heaven for those opportunities. After that, let us look for those next opportunities. It is a never-ending process that we should refrain from bringing attention too. 

“Joseph LETGO to Embrace Forgiveness” by Neville Buchanan

Resentment can take root deep in our hearts, poisoning our perspective and relationships. Using the acronym LETGO, Joseph’s story provides a strong framework for letting go of grudges and making it our goal to do good.

Refusing to extend forgiveness has an immense effect on one’s physical and emotional health. Research indicates that resentment and unsolved disputes can exacerbate stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and a sense of isolation. It can also have a negative effect on physical health by increasing the risk of heart disease, hypertension, and immune system weakness. Unforgiveness-related stress and resentment that lasts a long time can affect immunological function, blood pressure, and heart rate, making people more vulnerable to diseases including diabetes, heart disease, and depression (1).

L – Liberate yourself through forgiveness (Genesis 50:15-21). Just like Joseph, choose to forgive and let go of people who have wronged you. This frees you from bitterness’s bondage.

E – Eyes fixed on God’s purpose (Genesis 45:5-7). Joseph saw the bigger picture of God’s plan, which helped him move beyond the past hurts caused by his brothers. Focus on what God is doing in and through you.

T – Turn from evil thoughts and do good (Genesis 42:25). Joseph was able to put his brothers’ hurts from the past behind him when he realized the greater picture of God’s purpose. Make the intentional choice to do good even towards your enemies.

G – Give comfort and care to others (Genesis 50:21). In their hour of need, Joseph consoled his brothers. Ask God to fill your heart with compassion, then care for those who need encouragement.

O – Obey God’s plan (Genesis 45:5). Believe that God is powerfully at work even in painful circumstances. Submit to His purpose, trusting that He works all things for good.

By putting the LETGO principles into practice, you can overcome resentment and walk in freedom. Friend, your heart will be healed by God when you decide to let go.

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(1) National Center for Biotechnology Information, Seattle Christian Counseling, Johns Hopkins Medicine