Devotionals

Psalm 11 (NLT)
For the choir director: A psalm of David.

1 I trust in the Lord for protection.
So why do you say to me,
“Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!
2 The wicked are stringing their bows
and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings.
They shoot from the shadows
at those whose hearts are right.
3 The foundations of law and order have collapsed.
What can the righteous do?”

4 But the Lord is in his holy Temple;
the Lord still rules from heaven.
He watches everyone closely,
examining every person on earth.
5 The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked.
He hates those who love violence.
6 He will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked,
punishing them with scorching winds.
7 For the righteous Lord loves justice.
The virtuous will see his face.

In Psalm 11, David finds himself in trouble. Many believe that David wrote this Psalm either while his life was being threatened by King Saul (Psalm 18), or it was his reaction to the rebellion of his son, Absalom (Psalm 3). Regardless, David trusted the Lord, as he believed in the Lord’s righteousness and fairness.

We ALL face troubles, and we are witnessing so many troubling situations within our world at this very moment. During troubling times, we have a choice, do we trust God and allow Him to use those times to develop us, or do we allow the circumstances of what we are going through to turn us to seek the care of this world? There are many worldly vices that seek to “take care” of us during troubling times: drugs, alcohol, overeating, not eating enough, lack of sleep, smoking, over-spending, gossiping, arguing, laziness, lying, cheating, gambling, social media/gaming/app addictions, pornography, skipping out on time with the Lord, and the list goes on and on. We know when our actions, thoughts, and words are not one with Christ.

The Apostle Paul reminds us that because of Christ, ”We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.” (Romans 5:3-5)

So, cling to Jesus every day, and DO NOT let go during the difficult times. We were reminded during yesterday’s time of worship to pray, pray, and just when you think you’ve prayed too much, pray again, because we ALL need the work of the Holy Spirit operating through us and around us ALL the time. Let go of worrying about what is unfair, unjust, and downright wrong within our world. Instead replace your worry with prayer, and trust in our righteous and fair Lord to take care of everything: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28)

Prayer: Jesus, I love You and I cannot thank You enough for your protection within my life. Thank You for allowing my heart to grieve during difficult times and holding me as I go through each step. I trust that You are aware of everything that has, is, and will go on within our broken world. I join my brother, David, in asking that You please watch everyone closely here on earth, and I believe that You know each heart. Hold Your children close to You, Lord, and allow others who do not know You to see You through Your children. Allow my light for You to shine brightly and keep me filled with so much joy that it is overflowing. I ask all of this in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.

Written By: Jen Auer, Pastor Mary Haley’s Assistant

Romans 13:11-14 (TPT) Living in the Light
11 To live like this is all the more urgent, for time is running out and you know it is a strategic hour in human history. It is time for us to wake up! For our full salvation [wholeness] is nearer now than when we first believed.

12 Night’s darkness is dissolving away as a new day of destiny dawns [revealed by those in Christ]. So we must once and for all strip away what is done in the shadows of darkness, removing it like filthy clothes. And once and for all we clothe ourselves with the radiance of light as our weapon. 13 We must live honorably [walking with our Designer], surrounded by the light of this new day, not in the darkness of drunkenness [worldly intoxication] and debauchery [false gods] not in promiscuity and sensuality [loose conduct], not being argumentative or jealous of others.

14 Instead fully immerse yourselves into [clothed with] the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, and don’t waste even a moment’s thought on your former identity to awaken its selfish desires.

As you observe the things going on in the world, do you have the overwhelming feeling like darkness is increasing and time is running out? If so, my friends, this is our finest hour to live in Christ’s anointing—to walk in alignment with Christ’s teachings, as well as using our gifts with divine power. Jesus will come when the depravity and cruelty of humanity rises before God’s nostrils and he says, “ENOUGH!” The world needs the Light—Jesus—and people will become more aware of it as darkness increases.

Jesus told the crowds, “I am light to the world, and those who embrace me will experience life-giving light, and they will never walk [be driven or pushed] in darkness.” Then, he turns to his disciples who are following him and says, “And you, beloved, are the light of the world…You are like that illuminating light. Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illumine creation, so men and women everywhere may see your good actions, may see creation at its fullest, may see your devotion to Me, and may turn and praise your Father in heaven because of it” (Mat. 5:14-15).

In our passage today, Paul essentially tells the Roman church to be people of the morning. In the midst of the darkness, the sun rises. If time is actually running out, my friends, it simply means Christ is coming for his Bride—to collect all the Light-bearers in one powerful and miraculous move. May we illumine creation for the glory of our Father. May others never doubt our devotion to God, but be contagiously drawn toward salvation.

Prayer: Lord, as your children of Light, we notice the darkness of sin increasing in your world. Yet, we are not afraid, because your Word promises as the darkness of sin increases your graces rises above it. Therefore, our response to the darkness is to immerse ourselves in Christ and shine the Light everywhere we go. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (TPT) God’s Times and Seasons
1Now, beloved brothers and sisters, concerning the question of God’s precise times and specific seasons [epoch periods of time], you don’t need me to write anything to you. 2 For you already know quite well that the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly and as a complete surprise. 3 For while some are saying, “Finally we have peace and security,” sudden destruction will arrive at their doorstep, like labor pains seizing a pregnant woman—and with no chance of escape!

4 But you, beloved brothers and sisters, are not living in the dark, allowing that day to creep up on you like a thief coming to steal. 5 For you are all children of the light and children of the day. We don’t belong to the night nor to darkness. 6 This is why we must not fall asleep, as the rest do, but keep wide awake and clearheaded. 7 For those who are asleep sleep the night away, and drunkards get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, we must stay alert and clearheaded by placing the breastplate of faith and love over our hearts, and a helmet of the hope of salvation over our thoughts.[believers are on the battlefield for faithfulness and love each day] 9 For God has not destined us for wrath but to possess salvation through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. 10 He gave his life for us so that we may share in resurrection life in union with him—whether we’re awake [living] or asleep [have faced physical death in Christ]. 11 Because of this, encourage the hearts of your fellow believers and support one another, just as you have already been doing.

We all need to feel safe and secure; it is a basic human need. We need to feel secure physically, as well as mentally and emotionally. When we face uncertain times, our human inclination is to feel insecure and vulnerable. Let’s be honest, we all want to feel like we have control over our lives because then we feel more safe, right? When we feel safe we thrive and flourish, but when we face uncertainty we are using everything in our power to find or create a place where we do feel secure. There are no physical places that are always “safe.” Since we cannot control all things, we must attach ourselves in healthy and strong—Rock solid—relationships with believers who will stand with us, cover us with love, and reveal to us the genuine security found only in Christ.

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul reminds the church at Thessalonica about facing times of uncertainty and insecurity. According to history, Thessalonica faced a prolonged siege during the Macedonian Wars and later became the capital of the Roman Province in Macedonia. In time, Thessalonica became a “free city” but in reality the Roman government controlled everything. During Paul’s second missionary journey, this city became one of the early centers for Christianity, but it remained a difficult place to live filled with uncertainties for believers. Paul reminds them not to fall for the false peace and security being offered by the Roman government.

The world’s idea of peace is very different from God’s shalom [peace]. In God’s peace, there is not only well being but there is wholeness of the human soul—forged by faith in connection with Christ. The world can only bring fleeting security, because human power and endeavors can never last long in a sinful world. Evil will always rob human-led efforts. But, believers are connected to the Rock who is all-powerful and never shifts in faithfulness or love. If we are standing with Christ, even in our weakness we are strong in the power of his might! (2 For 12:9). We can face any uncertainty knowing we are truly eternally safe in his strength. Remember, the Father destined us to possess salvation and live in resurrected power and life in Christ. Be encouraged; however, be informed. You will never be able to find lasting security in this sinful world’s systems. Wake up and remain standing on the Rock—the victorious Cornerstone of divine strength.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for revealing your unmatched strength through human weakness. Believers are containers of your grace and power and your strength is made perfect when we are too weak to deliver ourselves. This lesson reminds me of when the Israelites were being pursued by the Egyptians and found themselves at the edge of the Red Sea with no perceived escape. Your power and strength made a way then, and your power and strength will make a way for believers now. Be with every human being around the world and make a way for salvation and deliverance from evil. I praise you for your perfect power and love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 36:5-7 (TPT)
5 
But you, O Lord, your mercy-seat love is limitless,
    reaching higher than the highest heavens.
    Your great faithfulness is infinite,
    stretching over the whole earth.
6 
Your righteousness is unmovable,
    just like the mighty mountains.
    Your judgments are as full of wisdom
    as the oceans are full of water.
    Your tender care and kindness leave no one forgotten,
    not a man or even a mouse.
7 
O God, how extravagant is your cherishing [covenant] love!
    All mankind can find a hiding place
    under the shadow of your wings.

In our passage today from the Psalter, David praises God for his covenant love; he asks the Lord to provide refuge from wickedness for the people who rest in the shadow of his wings. Like David, I am praying that prayer of safety for our military troops, as well as the people of Afghanistan. I am praying for the Wisdom of God (Christ) to lead and guide now. The collapse of the Afghan government has been swift and complete. I can only imagine the confusion and chaos experienced by the people as they try to make sense of life now. My heart is grieved by what I hear and see; a humanitarian crisis leaving women and children vulnerable under Taliban rule. When people want power they promise all kinds of things, my friends.

Yet, I am reminded that Jesus told us in the end times, “You will hear of wars and revolutions on every side, with more rumors of wars to come. Don’t panic or give in to your fears, for the breaking apart of the world’s systems is destined to happen. But it won’t yet be the end; it will still be unfolding. Nations [ethnic groups] will go to war against nations and kingdoms against kingdoms. And there will be terrible earthquakes, horrible epidemics, and famines in place after place. This is how the birth pains of the new age [Christ and his Bride ruling the nations] will begin! You [believers] can expect to be persecuted, even killed; for you will be hated by all the nations because of your love for me. Then many will stop following me and fall away [take offense], and they will betray one another and hate one another. And many lying prophets will arise, deceiving multitudes and leading them away from the path of truth. There will be such an increase of the sin of lawlessness that those whose hearts once burned with passion for God and others will grow cold. But hold your hope [endure] firmly to the end and you will experience life and deliverance. Yet through it all, the good news of heaven’s kingdom will be proclaimed all over the world, providing every nation with a demonstration of the reality of God. And after that the end of this age will arrive” (Mat 24:6-14).

Prayer: Father, we need your peace, because the world cannot provide it. Call your people to gather under the shadow of your protective wing. We pray for righteousness to rise up out of the ashes of wickedness permeating this world. We pray for your Spirit to lead, guide, and protect our courageous military troops. We pray for the people of Afghanistan to seek your face and call on you for salvation. Reveal the demonstration of your reality in every nation. Bring us the wisdom of Christ as we lead our lives, love our families, and serve you and your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 36:1-4 (TPT)
1
The rebellion of sin speaks as an oracle of God,
    speaking deeply to the conscience [to the core] of wicked men.
    Yet they are still eager to sin,
    for the fear of God is not before their eyes.
2 
See how they flatter themselves,
    unable to detect and detest their sins.
    They are crooked and conceited,
    convinced they can get away with anything.
3 
Their wicked words are nothing but lies.
    Wisdom is far from them.
    Goodness is both forgotten and forsaken.
4 
They lie awake at night to hatch their evil plots,
    always planning their schemes of darkness,
    and never once do they consider the evil of their ways.

The Bible uses the word “wicked” in a variety of ways. In the Old Testament, if a person is referred to as wicked, they are a “criminal” or a person “guilty of a crime” that is punishable by God; this person has made a departure from divine or moral law. In the New Testament, the word “wicked” means “depravity” or “to do evil with malice and a purpose.” Whether someone is wicked according to the Old or New Testaments, the meaning manifests the same effects: the person operating in wickedness stands guilty before God because it reveals the depravity of the human heart without God. Wickedness flows from within a person; it begins with a thought, then a deed, then a character, and finally a destiny.

As affirmed by our passage today, wickedness is the human condition apart from God. Even if people do not like the word, they cannot deny seeing the manifestation of wickedness in our world. We need Christ! Wickedness is sin and it causes people to rebel against God while exalting their own ideas and thoughts. There really is a spiritual battle going on for the thoughts of people right now. For this reason, the Lord gave us the Word and sent the Spirit so our minds could be renewed by the Truth. Paul urges believers, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Rom 12:2). How do we fight the wrong thoughts? Paul teaches, “We are taking prisoners of every thought, every emotion, and subduing them into obedience to the Anointed One.” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Prayer: Lord, may I capture every thought that tries to exalt itself above your Word, cast it down, and turn to obey the Truth instead. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 101 (TPT) David’s Praise Song
1
Lord, I will sing about your faithful love for me.
    My song of praise will have your justice as its theme.
2 
I’m trying my best to walk in the way of integrity,
    especially in my own home.
    But I need your help!
    I’m wondering, Lord, when will you appear?
3 
I refuse to gaze on that which is vulgar.
    I despise works of evil people
    and anything that moves my heart away from you.
    I will not let evil hold me in its grip.
4 
Every perverse and crooked way I have put away from my heart,
    for I will have nothing to do with the deeds of darkness.[evil]
5 
I will silence those who secretly want to slander my friends,
    and I will not tolerate the proud and arrogant.
6 
My innermost circle [closest relationships] will only be those
    who I know are pure and godly.
    They will be the only ones I allow to minister to me.
7 
There’s no room in my home for hypocrites,
    for I can’t stand chronic liars who flatter and deceive.
8 
At each and every sunrise I will awake to do what’s right
    and put to silence those who love wickedness,
    freeing God’s people from their evil grip.
    I will do all of this because of my great love for you!

In our passage today, David sings a praise song about the love and justice of the Lord. He thanks God for helping him walk in integrity and righteousness and David commits to doing his part in honoring God’s will. He praises God for being his Source and Strength and he invites God to continue his work of character-building. As a source of help, David recognizes that God has surrounded him with people who also love godliness and encourage his faith. He is greatly blessed of the Lord. David praises God for the ability to turn from evil, as well as the power to send evil packing. Because David wants nothing to do with evil, he sets his focus on pleasing God by filling his mouth with words of love and praise for his Lord.

When we praise the Lord in word or song, like David, we are exalting God’s glorious light and faithfulness for us in a fallen world that is deceived by the darkness. We are lifting the righteous name of the Lord like a banner high above this dark and wicked natural realm while casting the focus upon the glorious reality of heaven to which we belong. Like David we must live by faith in what God has promised to be and do in our lives; God is our Source and Strength for life. We do not have the power to overcome evil in our flesh. We must use faith—a measure that has been gifted to us by God—and trust the Lord to hear our cries for help because he is always ready in our times of need (Ps. 46:1). “For we come to God in faith [believing] knowing that he is real and that he rewards the faith of those who passionately seek him (Heb 11:6). May we cling to the Lord who liberates us from evil. Then, out of gratitude, may we turn to free others from evil’s grip, as well.

Prayer: Lord, your Word is always teaching me and your leaders of biblical faith are a great blessing when I need help putting things into a heavenly perspective. Like David, with each sunrise, I will live in the righteous freedom you have provided, as well as help others by pulling them toward the truth of salvation and away from the grips of evil. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Romans 16:17-20 (TPT)
17 And now, dear brothers and sisters, I’d like to give one final word of caution: Watch out for those who cause divisions and offenses among you. When they antagonize you by speaking of things that are contrary to the teachings that you’ve received, don’t be caught in their snare! 18 For people like this are not truly serving the Lord, our Messiah, but are being driven by their own desires for a following [they are slaves to their bellies]. Utilizing their smooth words and well-rehearsed blessings, they seek to deceive the hearts of innocent ones.

19 I’m so happy when I think of you, because everyone knows the testimony of your deep commitment of faith. So I want you to become scholars of all that is good and beautiful, and stay pure and innocent [unmixed] when it comes to evil. 20 And the God of peace will swiftly pound Satan to a pulp [Gk: suntribo—to beat up someone to a jelly] under your feet! And the wonderful favor of our Lord Jesus will surround you.

In his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul urges believers to hold fast to the doctrinal truth established and lived out by Christ—the Living Word of God. Living the gospel truth in unity [the state of being in agreement to glorify God] helps us remain diligent against the attacks of Satan who always schemes to divide the Church. When we reflect the truth with our lives and work to love one another in selfless ways, the grace [favor] of Christ wraps around us and God himself fights our battles with Satan. Talk about Good News! I am truly looking for God to pound Satan to a pulp and put him under the feet of believers in Jesus’ name!

When it comes to truth, love, and unity, people tend to think one is more important than the other. However, that is erroneous thinking. As important as unity is, if it is not built upon truth in the heart, the people will not see God; because, only the pure in heart see God (Matt 5:8). Likewise, if the truth of Christ is not shared through love, a person does not even know God because God is love (1 John 4:8). Paul encourages, “But instead we will remain strong and always sincere in our love as we express the truth” (Ephesians 4:15). This one sentence unites “we” the believers. When we reflect the truth and love of Christ, we are made whole and united in him. Glory!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this lesson on truth, love, and unity. Satan may try to divide your people, but we will hold fast to the Truth while loving each other and glorifying your name. Thank you for your favor and protection, Lord! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Acts 6: 8-15 (VOICE)
8 Stephen continually overflowed with extraordinary grace and power, and he was able to perform a number of miraculous signs and wonders in public view. 9 But eventually a group arose to oppose Stephen and the message to which his signs and wonders pointed. (These men were from a group called the Free Synagogue and included Cyrenians, Alexandrians, Cilicians, and Asians.) 10 The Holy Spirit gave Stephen such wisdom in responding to their arguments that they were humiliated; 11 in retaliation, they spread a vicious rumor: “We heard Stephen speak blasphemies against Moses and God.”

12 Their rumor prompted an uprising that included common people, religious officials, and scholars. They surprised Stephen, grabbed him, and hauled him before the council. 13 They convinced some witnesses to give false testimony.

False Witnesses: This fellow constantly degrades the holy temple and mocks our holy law. 14 With our own ears, we’ve heard him say this Jesus fellow, this Nazarene he’s always talking about, will actually destroy the holy temple and will try to change the sacred customs we received from Moses.
15 The entire council turned its gaze on Stephen to see how he would respond. They were shocked to see his face radiant with peace—as if he were a heavenly messenger.

In our passage today, believers are being multiplied; therefore, the apostles are not able to keep up with the demands of serving, as well as teaching the Word of God. So, the apostles decide to recruit more help. Stephen is one of seven men filled with the Spirit, grace, and power who have been selected to serve and distribute food. These men love the Lord and are happy to serve in any way needed.

Like these servants, when we are deeply devoted to God, everything we do and say becomes a message revealing the goodness of Jesus that may draw more people in while, at the same time, offending and agitating others. In Stephen’s case, Christ in him humiliated some religious leaders. Like Jesus, Stephen is lied about and betrayed by the ones who think they know God. However, what they actually know is manmade traditions void of the Spirit.

Are you exercising the gifts Jesus has given you? Whatever gifts you have been imparted, you must use them with faith and in the power of the Holy Spirit. In God’s Kingdom, believers belong and serve in some capacity. Stephen’s life reminds us the holy presence of God covers us in our service and when people are agitated by God’s presence in us they will even lie to get rid of us. Shine for Christ, anyway!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this lesson from Stephen’s life and the Wisdom you became for him. May the service I bring to the work of establishing your Kingdom on earth, be instigated and empowered by the Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 57: 9-11 (CEV)
9
I will praise you, Lord,
    for everyone to hear,
    and I will sing hymns to you
    in every nation.
10 
Your love reaches higher
    than the heavens;
    your loyalty extends
    beyond the clouds.
11 
May you, my God, be honored
    above the heavens;
    may your glory be seen
    everywhere on earth.

Every believer will continually be tasting the love and loyalty of the Father for them as his son or daughter. God picks the times and places to reveal his extravagant love; however, we must trust he is going to show how much he loves us. He is more than Words; God is love in miraculous and righteous evil-defeating action. No enemy we may face has the power to thwart God’s plan for our lives. The heavenly Father’s love for us is greater than anything we can imagine, yet sometimes we have to sing our praises for his great love while we are still in the valley of dark circumstances.

In our passage today, David sings a song of praise before he sees the light of change. Keep in mind David is innocent and hiding in a dark cave from those who want to destroy him. David does not let his circumstances rob him of joy. Faith is about our confident trust in God. David knows his heavenly Father will respond at the appointed time, because God is loyal to his Word and his love never fails. Therefore, in the midst of this dark cave, David begins to praise the Lord and exalt him with the confident hope of victory. David’s enemies no longer matter and have no power to destroy his life, because he knows God is with him and for him. Faith will lift you and me above the pain of our circumstances, too, as we praise the Lord for his loyal and steadfast love.

Prayer: Father, thank you for your love and loyalty to deliver your sons and daughters from evil. We praise you and honor you! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

2 Peter 3:14-16 Preparation for the Coming of the Lord
14 So, my beloved friends, with all that you have to look forward to, may you be eager to be found living pure lives when you come into his presence [before him], without blemish and filled with peace. 15 And keep in mind that our Lord’s extraordinary patience simply means more opportunity for salvation, just as our dear brother Paul wrote to you with the wisdom that God gave him. 16 He consistently speaks of these things in all of his letters, even though he writes some concepts that are overwhelming to our understanding, which the unlearned and unstable love to twist to their spiritual ruin, as they do to other Scriptures [twist it to fit human understanding].

Every time we open up Scripture and begin to read it, the Author is with us! Our Creator, our Lord, our Messiah, our Teacher, our Friend, and our Guide speaks salvation to our spirits as we read his Word. Scripture is one way God makes himself know to human beings; the Word is called God’s self-revelation. Since God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours, sometimes there are passages in God’s Word that may be difficult to understand. When that happens, we need to invite the Author, as he sits with us, to open our spiritual understanding of the Truth and help us interpret his purpose in the text and how it relates to our lives.

When we understand what God wants to speak into our lives, we can move in humble obedience and apply it. Think about it this way, we can become One with the Word! Isn’t that what Jesus prayed for all believers while in the Garden just before he gave his life for us? (John 17:21). God provides grace to help us in every area of life—spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. When Paul needed greater understanding for his life, God spoke to him saying, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness” (2 Cor 12:9). So, please continue to read the Word with these things in mind.

Prayer: Father, thank you for helping me understand the fuller meaning of your Word as I dig in each day. Please continue to daily sit with me and be my Helper. In Jesus’ name. Amen.