Category: faith

Stay Awake and Ready

Revelation 14-16

Devotion by Isaac Cain (NE)

Growing up in the midwest it was common for part of the “goodbye” routine to someone who’s about to drive away is to say “and watch for the deer”. Deer suddenly running out in front of a car is a common enough occurrence where it has become a regional culture to always remind one another of the potential threat. I personally have had many nights driving slowly with corn fields on either side vigilantly watching to make a response.

This readiness is exactly what God or Jesus (it’s not exactly clear) calls for us to do as his followers.

“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!” (Revelation 16:15) 

This reading section has all kinds of significant moments of judgment from God against all who have rebelled against Him – and you do not want to be on the receiving end of any of them.  We read of painful sores, rivers of blood, the world’s largest earthquake (literally chapter 16 states it is the world’s largest earthquake!), and hail weighing up to 100 pounds falling onto God’s enemies! Therefore, we are given a loving warning to keep true to the faith and allegiance to Jesus. 


Our watching, vigilance, daily process of dying to ourselves and living for Christ daily is not in vain. We not only evade the intense wrath of God, but we also receive the intense salvation and life from God. These peeks into the future are not serving as a trivial knowledge that does not serve much utility to our daily lives now. Instead, they serve as a tangible vision for what direction each of our daily steps needs to be headed. 

We currently are like the midwest driver at night surrounded by cornfields. At any point, the deer that we know is coming, is going to jump out in front of us, we will miss it, but the non-attentive driver will not be as fortunate. Not only that, but being a vigilant driver serves to our benefit throughout the drive anyway. There are far more things to consider when driving than simply not hitting the deer like staying in your lane, not running into other cars, going out into the ditch, or the countless other bad scenarios my mom concerned herself with when I first went behind the wheel! Staying awake and ready not only avoids the dreaded end and receives the blessed end, but it also helps us avoid the avoidable pains of this life.

So let us heed the warning from Revelation today as we navigate through this life to always remember to “watch for the deer” to worship God, receive salvation, and experience God’s goodness in this life.

Reflection Questions

What is the difference between being a vigilant Christian and a paranoid one?

How does God seem to balance His love and His justice against wickedness in these chapters?

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The Mystery

Revelation 7-10

Devotion by Daniel Smead (MN) – originally posted for SGL on Nov 25, 2022 on Revelation 10

After the sixth trumpet we have a break when John is prepared for what comes next, which mirrors the break after the sixth seal when the 144,000 were sealed. We are reminded that all through this vision John has been writing what he sees, as Jesus told him to do back in 1:19 (10:4). I wonder if he started the vision in front of a blank scroll and finished with a completed work. Or was the writing part of his vision, and he needed to rewrite it all afterward? And I wonder, again, how often what he wrote came to him as part of the vision and how often his words are his efforts to convey what he experienced. For example, did John make the distinction of a “strong angel” himself, based on experience in this vision looking at different angels?

It wasn’t pointed out at the time, but in chapter 5 it was a “strong angel” that proclaimed the question about whether anyone could open the seals of the book in God’s hand. And now a “strong angel” holds the small book John will eat. Perhaps this is setting up transitions in the vision for us, as the book John eats seems to establish his personal involvement in the next part of the vision. (There is one more “strong angel” reference, in 18:21, punctuating and concluding the section on Babylon.)

When our strong angel in chapter 10 cries out like a lion roars, seven peals of thunder respond – these may refer to the peals of thunder that come from God’s throne (4:5). But John is told by a voice from heaven not to write down what the thunders said. Among all the details in Revelation this lack of information can be one of the most interesting things for us. What secret is left out here? I have sometimes suggested it might have been a self-unfulfilling prophecy (my own phrase), something we can’t be allowed to know because knowing it in advance would make it awkward for it to still take place. Like “tomorrow [fill in the blank date] king [fill in the blank name] falls.” In the context it is hard to expect a minor statement – the strong angel is just about to swear an oath by God that the mystery of God is on the verge of being completed.

The same voice from heaven tells John to get the book and eat it, which he does, but first he is warned by the strong angel that it will be sweet in his mouth but bitter in his stomach. This is interesting, because in Ezekiel 2:8–3:3 we get a similar story of eating a scroll that tastes sweet but there is no mention of bitterness. This is more like comments in Jeremiah 15:16-17 about him eating God’s words and finding them a joy and delight, but then being filled with indignation. What John ate was easy to take in but would result in him needing to “prophesy again concerning many people and nations and tongues and kings.” The phrase “prophesy again” is sometimes taken to mean that the next part of the vision will revisit ground, duplicating some parts of the story to get at new aspects of it. And not all of that prophecy would be a joy and a delight. But God will be revealing what He recognizes needs to be shown.

It may be worth recalling that John is in exile when he sees this vision. He will emerge from it to send his letters, his warnings and encouragements and predictions, and continue in exile. We don’t really know how bringing more attention to himself this way during a time of persecution affected his situation. Maybe not positively. But John was God’s worker and working for God isn’t always pleasant for the one working, at the time. But I trust that John absolutely knew the job was worth it, and I hope that he found the experience of his vision encouraging.

Lord, forgive me the foolishness I sometimes experience of wanting to know what you aren’t interested in telling me, and showing too little interest in what you have made plain for me. You have shown me things that are good, help me to act on that awareness. You have shown me things that are not good, help me to act on that awareness as well. If at times I have found your words bitter in my stomach I have little right to claim I have been cheated, for they were sweet on my tongue. And I acknowledge you have given me far more than I ever can give you. Help me to serve you as I ought to, even if I feel I am in the valley of the shadow of death. Your light can never be overcome. I will trust in you. Amen.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are your thoughts and feelings when you read verse 7, “But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.”
  2. What words of God might be sweet in the mouth, but sour in the stomach?
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It’s (Always) A Great Day to Read About the 2nd Advent of the Son of God!

Revelation 1-3

Devotion by John Railton (IN)

Merry Christmas to all. This is the season to remember and celebrate the birth, the advent, the first coming of Jesus, who is the Christ, the Son of the living God! It’s fitting that we today begin reading and pondering the last book of the Bible, Revelation. This is the book that reveals amazing things about the second advent, the return of Jesus to this earth to establish the perfect age, the kingdom of God. This is a book of revelations, though at times it’s challenging, seems mysterious, difficult to understand and apply. In these first three chapters we find John’s opening comments, identification of the source and succession of the word and testimony he’s passing on, and then a letter from the Lord himself to seven churches in Asia Minor. The general flow of the letters is commendation of the church, any complaint that may need to be addressed, and the correction that’s then necessary. Anytime the Lord indicates a complaint, or really anytime anyone indicates a complaint against us, the hope and goal is always correction. We all have flaws, and should always seek to grow, to improve, to walk in truth, obedience, and love, as John stressed in the postcards we pondered the last couple days.      

We’ll begin here with the introduction the author, the Apostle John shared. “The revelation of Jesus Christ. which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw – that is the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” Note that there’s a blessing for those who read, hear, and take to heart these words, whether we quickly understand it or not. It’s good to be familiar with it. Understanding will come as events unfold, if we’re familiar with the writings.   

1:7 specifically makes reference to Jesus’ return, “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him!”  This is a sure thing. Jesus is coming. I hope to see him with joy in my heart, rather than mourning that I’m not ready, not a believer, not prepared, not all in!  

The rest of these first three chapters include letters the Lord sent to seven specific churches, with specific commendation, complaints, and correction. Read them devotionally, and with application. In other words, ponder such commendation, complaint, and correction. Do any of these apply to you? To your church? In fact, you might write a letter, as though from Jesus to you. What would he say? What would he commend? What complaints would he have? What corrections would he expect? How would you respond? Would you do as he says?      

Reflection Questions

  1. What are your thoughts and feelings about the book of Revelation? What do you think God wants us to think and feel about the book? Why was the book as a whole given to Christians?
  2. How often do you think of Jesus’ return? How do you imagine you will respond when he does return? If you are celebrating Christmas today (and also, if you are not), how can you remember and share the words of Revelation and the great hope of the 2nd Coming of Christ the Messiah, the Son of God?
  3. How do you typically give or receive complaints? Work through the great questions from John in the last paragraph above. And spend some time with God in prayer with the Son of God interceding on your behalf.
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What Does John Want You to Know?

1 John 1-5

Devotion by John Railton (IN)

I John is a really interesting book to read and study. The author is the Apostle John, who authored the gospel of John, I, II, and III John, and the book of Revelation. Each of his books/letters were likely written late in the first century. I John is addressed to believers, perhaps in general, not any particularly named believer. I John 2:12-14 help us see the broad target for these teachings.   


12 I am writing to you who are God’s children
    because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus.[f]
13 I am writing to you who are mature in the faith[g]
    because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I am writing to you who are young in the faith
    because you have won your battle with the evil one.
14 I have written to you who are God’s children
    because you know the Father.
I have written to you who are mature in the faith
    because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I have written to you who are young in the faith
    because you are strong.
God’s word lives in your hearts,
    and you have won your battle with the evil one.

Some highlights about the Apostle John – He was all in when Jesus called him to follow and to be a fisher of men. He was one of the three mentioned most often as being close to Jesus. He’s described as the disciple whom Jesus loved. He was often distinguished from the other disciples. He’s one who was closer to Jesus when they were asked to watch and pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was asked by Jesus to look after his mother Mary as Jesus suffered on the cross. He ran to and looked into the tomb when it was reported that Jesus had been raised. He had great vision and revelation of the future as his writings reveal in the book of Revelation.   

John had explained his purpose for writing the gospel of John in 20:30,31, “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples which are not recorded in this book, but these (seven miracles) are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name!”  The emphasis there is some of the truth that must be believed. It’s interesting that then in I John 5:13 he says, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” He apparently wants those who believe to have a level of confidence, to know that they have eternal life. We shouldn’t be over confident, of course, especially if we’re not living the faith, if we’re not walking in truth, which John also addresses in I John.

John does emphasize knowing numerous things in this letter. In fact, you’ll find the word know at least thirty times in this letter, depending on the version you use. An interesting exercise would be to read through the book and underline the word know each time you find it. It really wouldn’t take that long to do this. Contemplate then those teachings John is wanting his readers to know, and I think, to understand.

I’ll just name a few of my favorite passages in I John. I John 1:9; I John 2:3-6; I John 2:15; I John 2:22.23; I John 3:11,12; I John 4:1-3; I John 4:19-21; I John 5:13; I John 5:18. What are yours?  

Reflection Questions

  1. Do people know you are a follower of Jesus? Would they call you “all in” in the way you live your faith and follow Jesus? What has Jesus entrusted to you?
  2. Find the “know” verses in 1 John. Which ones do you already know and are ready to share? How will you share and to whom? Which ones might take a little more study/seeking to more fully know/understand? How will you seek to know more?
  3. Why do you think John wants God’s children to be confident of their coming eternal life? What are you confident of? What are you not confident of? Is there anything (perhaps in the area of living your faith or walking in truth or knowing more of what John wants you to know) that would boost your confidence? What is the danger of TOO much confidence?
  4. What are your favorite verses in 1 John?
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Keep Guarding and Fanning

2 Timothy 1-4

Devotion by Pastor Jeff Fletcher – originally posted for SGL on Aug 25, 2023. I am so thankful for the many ways Pastor Jeff guarded the good deposit given to him and fanned into flame the gifts he received. As husband to one, father to 11, pastor to many (including the pastors), chaplain to the hurting, editor and writer and listener, Jeff was sincere and devout in his love for God, Jesus, his faith and all people.

Have you ever been asked to guard something?  If you’ve ever played a team sport it’s likely that you guarded someone or something.  When you play defense in basketball or hockey you guard someone.  In basketball and football, there are positions called guards.  In baseball, the catcher is responsible for guarding home plate.

We encounter lots of guards in life- prison guards,  security guards, the National Guard.  Celebrities and politicians and other rich and powerful people often have bodyguards.  If you’re out with a friend at a busy place and they go to buy food or use the restroom they might ask you to “guard my seat”.  

To guard something means that you have been entrusted to protect someone or something that is valued by another.  In today’s reading of 2 Timothy 1, the Apostle Paul has written to Timothy and reminded him about all of the goods that have been entrusted to him in his life.  He speaks about the sincere faith that began in both Timothy’s grandmother and mother now in him.  He describes this faith as something that has been entrusted to Timothy and must be guarded.  I have the image of going to the bank and bringing my paycheck and giving it to the bank officer and asking her to guard my money until I needed it.  I am entrusting my deposit with the bank.  Here, Paul is entrusting his spiritual deposits to Timothy.  Just as Timothy’s grandmother and mother made spiritual deposits in his life, Paul too made spiritual deposits.  Now it’s up to Timothy to both guard those deposits and also put them to good use.  Paul freely changes metaphors to that of fire.  A fire that has started often needs to be fanned, given more air, until it grows enough to really burn.  Protect the deposit and fan the flame.  This is Paul’s counsel to Timothy.

You’ve undoubtedly had many people make faith deposits in your life.  For some, like Timothy, it was a grandparent or parent or other spiritual teacher or mentor.  Maybe it was a Sunday School teacher or youth leader, maybe it was a pastor or a counselor at Church camp.  For many, it was likely a combination of many people who taught by words or actions what it means to know Jesus Christ and follow him as a disciple.  I know in my nearly 60 years of life there have been countless people who have made faith deposits into my life, and who have helped me with my spiritual formation.   These people have shared incredible gifts of faith with me.  I feel a particular responsibility to not allow those gifts to go by the wayside, to be left unvalued,  unused, and unguarded.    I take the deposits of faith that have been entrusted to me and put them to work for Jesus Christ and for the Kingdom of God.  This is an incredibly important responsibility and one that I do not take lightly.  I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to those who made faith deposits in my life and so I want to “pay it forward” by making faith deposits into the lives of others.  This is why 45 years after I first attended Youth Camp (Now FUEL) I’m still trying to make faith deposits.  I hope and pray that you guard what has been entrusted to you and fan into the flame the gifts that have been given to you so that God’s word will continue to spread like wildfire into a world that needs more faith.

Jeff Fletcher

Reflection Questions:

  1. Take a moment to write down the names of people that you can think of who have made faith deposits into your life.   Say a prayer of thanks for them, then send one of them a note and say “thank you” for the faith deposits they’ve made in your life.
  2. What are some ways that you can fan into flame the gifts that have been given you?  What specific things will you do to help spread the faith in Jesus Christ shared with you?
  3. How can you best guard the precious truths that have been deposited into your spiritual bank account by others? Is guarding the same as hoarding? What does guarding faith look like? How is faith best preserved? What makes faith worthy of guarding and fanning into flame?
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Draw Near & Spur On

Hebrews 10-13

Devotion by John Tullis (OH)

It is easy to get discouraged.  It happens all the time.  As Christians, Christmas is a special time of year.  Our hearts turn to the Christ child and the miracle that is the birth of God’s son.  While this gives us hope, we live in a fast paced, difficult world.  All around us people are hurting.  Evil seems to grow every day.  Unbelievers ask us “Where is your Jesus”?  Before long, we find ourselves depressed and doubting the goodness of God.  At least I do.

The writer of Hebrews knew there would be days like this.  That is why he spent so much time writing in his letter to the Hebrews that “we can have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (we can go before God Himself through our prayers)…so let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings… (Hebrews 10:19-22a).  The wise writer knew that the people of God were hurting.  He continues by encouraging them to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but ENCOURAGING one another… (10:24).

Sometimes the Christmas season can be lonely.  We remember Christmas’ of long ago and the fun we shared with people that we loved.  Parents, brothers and sisters, friends…perhaps gone now and only existing within our hearts.  As children of God, we can trust in the incredible hope that is found only in Jesus.  It is our duty, to help each other and encourage each other to keep on living…and loving.  Each of us pushing each other onwards towards good deeds – and new, happy memories.

In this Christmas season, my hope is that you dear reader will remember the love of Christ, the forgiveness and grace of the Father, and the promise of the coming Kingdom of God.

Questions for Discussion:

  1. Who might you “spur on to love and good deeds” this Christmas season? (10:24)
  2. What does it mean to “persevere” in the faith? (Hebrews 10:36)
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Not Just Clean on the Outside

Hebrews 7-9

Devotion by John Tullis (OH)

When I was a kid, I often had to do the dishes.  I was not a fan of having to take time to soak the dishes and scrub them, inside and out.  One time, I decided to save time and only cleaned the outside of the cups.  They looked super clean!  I put the cups away and everything looked clean and ready for the next meal.  Later, when my Mom pulled a cup from the cabinet, it looked nice and clean.  But the inside was a mess.  Milk had spoiled in the cup and was caked along the bottom.  She was not very happy and found the cup to be completely unusable.  I had to pull all the cups out and get the job done the right way!

In the Old Testament, God’s people were instructed to offer sacrifices to God.  These sacrifices of animals, grain, and oil were expressions of devotion to God, addressed sin, and maintained covenant relationship between God and Israel.  Animals were burned on an altar symbolizing total surrender to God.  Sometimes, animal blood was applied to the altar.  In this case, the offering was a sin offering – usually a lamb.

The writer of Hebrews compares the offerings of the Old Testament with the new offering through the death of Jesus Christ.  Hebrews 9:11-14 tells us that “the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean”.  They became sanctified – set apart for God’s special use – because of the spilled blood of an animal.  However, people were only ceremonially clean on the outside of their body.  They were now clean to worship God and come before Him, but on the inside sin would return.  Again and again, people would have to continually offer animals in sacrifice to God to maintain their ceremonial purity before Him. 

Jesus, as the sinless, perfect, lamb of God is clean on the inside as well as the outside.  In other words, after His resurrection, He was able to ascend to Heaven and sit at the right hand of God because of His perfect, redeeming blood.  Since He died and was resurrected in perfection (because He was always perfect), he could now spend eternity with His Father in Heaven!  Jesus had no sin, so He did not need to be “saved from sin” like you and me.  The very blood of Jesus, shed on the cross for you and for me, is the blood that makes us clean on the inside (Hebrews 9:14).  No longer do we have to make sacrifices repeatedly.  He died for us, once and for all (1 Peter 3:18, Romans 6:10, 1 John 2:2).  Hebrews 9:15 teaches us that Jesus is the perfect mediator of a NEW covenant (not like the Old Testament…).  Those who put their faith in Him may “receive the promised eternal inheritance – now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant” (Hebrews 9:15).  Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.  We are now “clean” on the outside and inside.  Like one of my cups  – finally spotless and useful for the Kingdom of God.

Questions for Discussion:

  1. Why did God want blood as payment for sin? (Hebrews 9:22)
  2. Why does Jesus appear for us in God’s presence? (Hebrews 9:24)
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Sharp!

Hebrews 4-6

When my son was a little boy, he asked for a pocketknife for Christmas.  He was interested with those who could take a piece of wood or a stick and whittle it into a figure or an animal.  Watching an experienced woodworker use a little knife to create amazing little figures was fascinating to a young boy.   

Of course, I got him his first pocketknife, and we talked about how it was very sharp.  We talked about how to hold the knife and how to begin the process of whittling away.  I warned him not to put his finger on the blade and to respect it.  Of course, the first thing he did was rub his finger across the blade – and cut himself.  Just a slight bump against the blade and the cut was deep enough to draw blood – and a few tears. 

The writer of the book of Hebrews describes the Word of God as being sharper than any type of edged weapon (4:12).  Like a pocketknife, it can cut deep – deep into the mind and heart of the believer.  God’s Word judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Like an impartial judge sitting on the judgement seat, the Word of God judges what is within us.  The Word of God judges if we are resting in God’s grace or in human works.  We can work hard and perform many good deeds for ministry.  But those good deeds will not save us.  Only the grace of God through faith in Jesus can save us from our sin.  We can fool other people, but the Word of God makes it very plain that we cannot fool God.  He will judge us rightly and with justice.  If our faith is in Christ, we will find a sympathetic savior, who while tempted in every way, did not sin.  He is perfect – and wants us to trust in His father as He did.  The Word of God makes it very plain – our salvation is through grace by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).  We cannot pretend to “earn” our way into God’s Kingdom.  His Word testifies to the truth – that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6) and trusting in him allows us to receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).   

Remember to honor and obey God’s Word.  While it contains the awesome message of salvation, it also opens our lives up to the all-knowing, all seeing eyes of God.  Sharp indeed! 

Questions for Discussion: 

  1. How could Jesus experience EVERY temptation?  (4:15) 
  1. How is God’s throne a throne of Grace? (4:16) 
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To Make You Stronger

1 Peter 1-3

Devotion by John Tullis (OH)

One of the strongest building materials is steel.  All the great towers and skyscrapers today are built out of steel.  It is a very hard metal and very durable.  But it does not start that way.  It begins as a piece of iron ore.  To transform the iron ore into steel, the iron must be heated to extreme temperatures and exposed to blasts of super hot air to blow out the impurities.  When it is quickly cooled, the result is steel – a pure form, durable, and able to stand the test of time.  It is only tough and useable because of the intense “heat and violent blasts of air” that transforms it. 

The apostle Peter wrote his letters to Christians scattered out across Asia Minor (Turkey today).  The Christians there were struggling because of hardship and persecution.  Living a life of faith in God was very difficult and dangerous.  As the Roman empire continued to persecute the Christians across the empire, the apostles, like Peter, worked hard to encourage the children of God. 

Peter reminds us in his letter that we have a “living hope” (1 Peter 1:3-4).  No matter what kinds of trouble we experience in life, we can be assured that the hope that we have in Jesus is true and eternal.  We know this because Jesus has been raised from the dead, proving that every promise that He made is true.  No matter what kinds of sorrow we face in this life, we can be assured of an “inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.  Kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4).  Jesus promised to return to this world to make things right.  Then, our promise will be revealed before our very eyes as we enjoy eternity with God the Father and His son Jesus Christ in God’s glorious earthly kingdom.

Despite being persecuted and threatened by the Romans, Peter reminds the Christians that they are to put their faith in God and serve Him.  Like the first Christians, God allows us to experience trouble and sorrow because, like heat to iron, He wants to create a tougher, more usable child of God.  God desires for each of us to endure troubling times.  We are a chosen people (1 Peter 2:9-10).  As God’s chosen people, we can be assured that He will use hard times to strengthen us.  It is God’s will that we suffer for doing good (1 Peter 3:17).  Jesus suffered greatly on the cross.  But the result of His suffering has brought us closer to God (3:18).  Who knows what incredible things God will bring about because His people are willing to suffer for doing good?

Questions for Discussion:

  1. Are good works the way to earn a blessing? (1 Peter 3:9-12)
  2. Why be gentle and respectful to unbelievers? (1 Peter 3:15)
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Distracting Distractions

Philippians 3-4

Devotion by Jenn Haynes (OH)

Let’s talk about distractions. One of my greatest frustrations and fears while driving is distracted drivers. I feel a bit ridiculous when I say things like, “It didn’t used to be like this,” with the unsaid “back in my day” hanging uncomfortably in the air.  But it’s true. I started driving before cell phones, screens in cars, and most other technology that might take my attention from the road. But now I can’t go anywhere without being cut off or having to swerve my car out of the way of someone crossing that center line. I notice it even more now that I’m teaching my daughter to drive. It’s terrifying. 

Speaking of teenage daughters, it seems every time I give them a task and come back later to see it is not done, the response is always, “I got distracted.” I’m just as guilty. We all are. We are a distracted society. 

I had to read through these two chapters a few times, trying to decide where I wanted to focus this devotion. What was God trying to tell me here? But I saw a common theme that I’ve never noticed before, and it was distractions. 

Paul talks first about being too focused on our own past and on ourselves. We get so wrapped up in everything we’ve done and said that we lose sight of the fact that none of that matters. Pride or shame sets in. Paul lists why he had every reason to be proud of who he was and where he came from, but that it all meant nothing. We get distracted by ourselves and are no longer focused on a relationship with the only one who can actually save us. Paul tells us in 3:13, “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” Don’t get distracted by the past or yourself but push on toward Christ. 

Next, we are distracted by worldly people and their ways. He says in 3:17, “keep your eyes on those who live as we do.” Stop trying to be like those of the world and surround yourselves instead with Christ-like examples. Stop trying to impress those that don’t matter with what you wear, what you do, and what you say. Reserve your attention and your actions for Christ and his message. 

And, finally, my personal favorite distraction – anxiety. Whether you worry about everything, or overthink, or are overly concerned with what others think or do – all distractions. Paul tells us what to focus on instead: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” 

Reflection Questions: 

What is distracting you from a real relationship with Christ? What attitude within yourself should you change? What habits should you destroy and with what should you replace them? 

What are some true, noble, pure, and praiseworthy things you should be focused on and how can you shift your attention toward them more often?

Prayer: 

My prayer for you today is that you are able to pick out distractions in your life and burn them away. I pray that you have a closer relationship with Christ and that it outshines everything else. Like Paul said,  “…press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Press on and focus on Jesus. 

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