Category: Building a Faith-filled Life

Change

Old Testament: 1 Chronicles 10-12
Poetry: Psalm 143
New Testament: Colossians 3

Change, change, change – there is a lot of it in Colossians 3. And it jumps out to me as I read it because my family and 200 of our friends (some we just met, some we’ve known all our lives) just gathered last week at Camp Mack in northern Indiana for Family Camp where the theme of the week was Change.

It is so true that while we were still in our sins God loved us enough to send His one and only Son to die for us that we might be saved from the final and lasting death our sins deserve. God’s grace is huge! Huge enough I need to say it again. God’s grace is huge! It is also true that when we accept this incredible gift God calls on you and I to change. In Colossians 3 this change is referred to as taking off your old self and putting on your new self. Out with the old, in with the new. And not just a little bit less of the old self – but put it to death (vs. 5). No more! No more “sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry” (vs. 5). Also, “you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other” (vs. 8,9a). Put it to death! Get rid of it! Change!

There are many reasons why we want to change – because God said to, because we want to be more like Jesus, and because we want to set a good example for our Christian brothers and sisters. And yet a powerful reason we NEED to change is stated in verse 6 – the wrath of God is coming because of the acts of the old/earthly nature. God’s wrath is real. Real enough I need to say it again. God’s wrath is real.

So what do we do? Once we see the need to change and we want to change, how do we do it? How do we change? Colossians 3 has some great steps to take.

Clothe yourself with the new (3:12-15)- replace the old with the new. The old has a much harder time trying to creep back in when it’s old place has been filled to overflowing with new, good, godly things: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another, forgiving, love, peace of Christ, unity, thankfulness. How can you grow these characteristics?

Set your hearts and your minds on things above (3:1,2) – don’t get caught up in daily, worldly living – focus on Jesus at the right hand of his Father. What will that look like for you? What will it take? Is there a difference between setting your heart on things above and setting your mind on things above? If so, how can you do both?

Your new self you want to grow is “renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” (3:10) and we are told to, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (3:16) – God made you with a brain and the ability to learn and grow and change. Fill your brain with knowledge of the Creator and the words of Christ. Read your Bible regularly! It is important. It is a huge key to lasting change as we discover and do what pleases the Lord.

In perfect unity – be “members of one body” – the body of Christ – the church – “teach and admonish one another with all wisdom” (3:14-16). There is no perfect church, but church is the perfect place to work together for changed lives for the Lord. Stay connected with other imperfect people and together set your minds and hearts on things above, “teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom.”

Work at it – remember you are serving the Lord and not men (3:23,24). Are you serving men or serving the Lord? How can you tell? How can others tell? It will be work. Work that is rewarding and worth it.

Remember not only the wrath of God which is coming for those who are living in the old nature, but also the reward of God which is the blessed hope of those living in the new nature. If Christ IS your life, then when he appears, you too will appear with him in glory and you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. (3:4 & 24).

It’s time for a change. Before it’s too late. What will you change today?

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. What “old self” practices and characteristics have you worked at (or are still working on) eliminating? What “new self” practices and characteristics are (or ought to be) taking their place?
  2. Consider the other questions in the devotion. Then pray to God about any changes you feel He wants you to make. Continue being open to other changes God wants to show you.
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Legacy

*Old Testament: 1 Chronicles 7-9
*Poetry: Psalm 142
New Testament: Colossians 2

Think about all the people in your life, and the people that have come before you. There are always people that come to mind when you think about who you looked up to.

For me those people have been my parents, my grandparents, and uncles. I’ll always be grateful for the amazing people that God has provided.

Now how does this tie into Psalm 142 and 1 Chronicles 7,8,9? After reading 1 Chronicles 7,8, and 9, I realized that the list of names, from generation to generation, is a LEGACY. All the people then till now play a part in a much greater picture, and God knows every individual plan in HIS legacy.

Think back to the people in your life. How did they react when they faced trials, or when the plan they had didn’t match God’s plan? How did it impact the people around them? Our actions in our times of hard ship impact the people around us, whether we see it or not. If you have kids, you know they watch everything you do. It’s the same with other people in our lives. It’s so important that your actions are viewed by everyone, and we need to be aware of how we act.

Think about what you do in your trials as we look at Psalm 142.

Psalm 142:1-3

“I cry aloud to the Lord, I plead aloud for his mercy. I pour out my complaints before him.”

“I cry aloud to the Lord.” This chapter comes from a place when David was in an extremely difficult trial. He was running from King Saul and hiding in the cave of Adullam from persecution.

Even in this dark season, David cries ALOUD to the Lord for his guidance, just as we should in our times of hardship.

Psalm 142:3 goes on to say, “Although my spirit is weak within me. You know my way.”

David trusts God in this time. He trusts that God knows his plan for David and will bring him through this.

What do you do when you face trials?

We have all been in places where all we seem to do is be mad at God in our situation. But what if we turn to God instead, and say, “God I am frustrated, HELP me. I know your plan is good.” How does that impact us, and God’s Legacy.

The way we react to our trials makes an impression. If we lash out in anger when things don’t go our way, we leave an impression. We may hurt feelings and say things we can never take back. Those moments of impact can change how that person we hurt acts, and then it continues. It’s like the saying goes, what comes around goes around. So, what if we spread around love, and trust in God, and watch that spread around. Let’s grow a Legacy of people who love and worship God, and love each other. Love and worship in our times of struggle can make all of the difference.

-Hannah Eldred

Reflection Questions

1) What trials may you be facing in life big or small?

2) How do you react in your trials?

3) How can you show love and worship in your trials? How does this impact God’s legacy?

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The Struggle is Real

Old Testament: 2 Kings 15 & 16

Poetry: Psalm 134

New Testament: Ephesians 6

‘For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” – Ephesians 6:12

In 2002 the phrase “the struggle is real” was popularized by Tupac on his posthumous track, “Fame.”  The phrase up to this point was commonly used to discuss poverty, gang violence, racism, as well as more serious topics – until it entered the realm of pop culture. Fast forward ten years, the phrase takes an ironic turn, being used to qualify simple human conflict that was far from struggle. Constant yawns at work because you stayed up too late? The struggle is real.  Starting a new diet where you have to exchange your pasta for salad? The struggle is real. Have trouble opening a pickle jar? The struggle is real.  While this was a quick quip to be funny, it diminishes the real struggles that are faced in the world, forgetting what serious things are being battled in this every single day.

Paul closes his letter, and I close my time as your SGL writer,  by reminding us all that the struggle is indeed real.  Churchy Christians often forget that the struggle isn’t the style of worship music played, that camp is in a different venue, how long the sermon is, the logo that goes on the shirts and the signs, or the color of the carpet.  It is okay to care and have an opinion about these things, but if this is the conflict we have for Christ, this is an ironic, fake drama to distract us from our real issues.  There are greater forces at work trying to destroy the Gospel message. They already have power.  They already make gains.  They already are in control.  Open your eyes and ears, because the struggle is real!

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” – Ephesians 6:13-17

How are we to combat these forces? We need to stop playing the simulation shooter inside the four walls of the church and ready ourselves for the call of duty (see what I did there).  Your salvation is the target. This means you must stand your ground by readying yourself for battle as a soldier.  Only then will you stand firm.

This starts with the tactical belt of truth, which girds up our lions to make us more physically available to fight. We can move against the forces of evil swifter because the truth of God is an innate understanding (Psa 19).  Next, the bulletproof vest of righteousness that covers us along with the shield of faith. There will be shots fired at who we once were, but when we believe, we are covered by the blood of Christ (Phil 3:9-10). We also have the tactical boots of readiness.  These go wherever God calls us.  God makes us ready to move quickly to any terrain, literally or metaphorically, as a peacekeeping force, sharing hope and peace as Christ did (John 14:17).  Finally, there is the helmet of salvation and the semi-automatic Word of God. Though there is a constant barrage of targeted messages aiming for a headshot, we need to remember that God so loved us (John 3:16).  Additionally, we pull the trigger to directly take on evil.  Jesus shows us that we can combat temptation by faith-driven speaking of scripture (Matt 4).

There are forces after you every single day. The struggle is so real. Don’t be a casualty because you are not ready to meet your foe.  Garb yourself in the armor of God, knowing the battle belongs to the Lord.

“Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s. (Be Strong In The Lord!) Victory Belongs To The Lord.” 2 Chron. 20:15b

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. What ‘fake struggles’ do you spend too much time and effort fighting? What is the real battle that matters? Where do you see evidence of this real battle?
  2. What are the pieces of spiritual armor in Ephesians 6 and what is the purpose of each piece?
  3. Is there a piece that you think you use well? Which piece(s) do you need to work with some more to improve your battle against the evil forces?
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Christian in Camouflage

Old Testament: 2 Kings 13 & 14

Poetry: Psalm 133

*New Testament: Ephesians 5

What does a Christian look like? The answer to this question is increasingly difficult.  In the United States today, many Christians are indiscernible from those who do not subscribe to the same faith.  Outside the time spent at church each week, the majority of the week is spent watching the same shows, making the same jokes, engaging in the same relationship, and working the same hours.  A handful of hours a week of being different doesn’t make faith.  While going to church is better than nothing at all, if the Gospel message is not changing your life, you are wasting your time. 

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:1

Paul makes the case in Ephesians 5 that we are called to be different.  Not people simply filling out your church time card, but an actual dichotomy, a detectable quality that implies a different standard for your life.  It isn’t just banning a rated-R comedy, but it is changing the spirit of what you find funny.  It isn’t just waiting until marriage to have sex, but it is the constant devotion to your spouse to where your eyes don’t wander.  It is working less hours to have time with your family, but a constant belief that God will provide no matter the circumstance.  These are core elements, that not only change our input, “well we don’t”, but change our output, making our life distinguishably lived for Christ.

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:15-20

You may think you are living for Christ, but do you really look and sound different?  Here is a quick quiz to see if you are on board with what Paul is saying to the Ephesians.  While the results here are not conclusive, they should be convicting, challenging us to become more like Christ and less like a Christian in camouflage.

– When people at work talk about a scandalous show, I’m reminded that I missed the last episode.

– Sometimes I let myself or my friends have too many drinks because we’re just having a good time.

– I enjoy a good joke, it doesn’t really matter if it is dirty or clean.

– I only use profanity when I’m around my friends that use it too.

– It doesn’t hurt to look.

– I go to church because it’s really the only time I see my family and friends.

– I just don’t really like worship music; that’s why I don’t listen to it.

– The people around me understand that I don’t always keep my promises.

– I don’t feel like it’s anyone’s business what I do on Saturday night to unwind.

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” – Ephesians 5:8-10

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. In Ephesians 5:10 Paul urges us to “find out what pleases the Lord?” How do you think we can do that best? Do you truly desire to please the Lord?
  2. Looking at yourself, what do you see that would fall into the PLEASES the LORD category? What do you see that would be outside of this category?
  3. Are you blending in with the world and missing opportunities to please the Lord and be a witness? Give some specific examples and what you can do differently to make the most of the opportunity instead.
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All Forms of Malice

Old Testament: 2 Kings 11 & 12

Poetry: Psalm 132

New Testament: Ephesians 4

Thou shalt not murder. This is one of the simplest commandments to keep. But the Jews of old and the Western world today lay out conditions of killing another human being that are acceptable, or deserve a lesser degree of punishment.  In this standard, the most murderiest of murders is “murder with malice”.  This means that the crime was premeditated and the intent to kill was established well before the act was carried out – murder happened in the heart first. (Matt 5:21-22) Malice, this intention and desire for evil, has no place in the Christian’s heart.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32

Therefore, It is seemingly pretty simple advice when Paul states Christians should get rid of every form of malice.  Christians sin, yes, but isn’t it always accidental or sometimes in the spirit of the moment? Not quite.  The malicious premeditation of a Christian is more elaborate and filled with justifications for their crime.   Christians become apologetics for the immoral actions of a political candidate because their candidate does their bidding. Christians cheat on their taxes with the justification that the government is spending on abortion. Christians gossip under the guise of having more people in prayer over the concern.  Christians withhold the Gospel message from someone because we don’t want to save them (eternal murder with malice).  These premeditated actions of Christians remind me of the unreliable narrator in The Tell-Tale Heart, making elaborate justification for his act in madness.  They are equally crazy.

“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin.  Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,  and do not give the devil a foothold.” – Ephesians 4:25-27

If we can feel the malice forming in our minds, it is time to address the issue. Paul states that we should be humble, gentle, patient, and loving, especially with our brothers and sisters in Christ. When we have an issue, ghosting brothers and sisters in Christ is unacceptable and leads to malicious talk and actions. We must find them, and speak truth in love and hope for a unifying and peaceful resolution.  Even further, when someone has an issue with us, we must abide by the same rules, seeking resolution and unity.  The only defense we are ever to play is accounting for the hope we have and the confidence within us about our faith. (1 Pet 3:15)

Be careful, O Christian.  Don’t let the sun go down with anger in your heart. It will turn into bitterness.  It will turn into rage.  It will turn into murder by the standards of Jesus Christ.  Let’s conclude with this ending thought by Paul: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. When was the last time you let the sun go down with anger in your heart? How could you have changed how you dealt with the problem?
  2. What is the danger with anger?
  3. Truthfully consider, is there an area where you lean toward malice? How would you go about getting rid of it? What would you replace it with? How?
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Pride

Old Testament: 2 Kings 9 & 10

Poetry: Psalm 131

New Testament: Ephesians 3

There is no doubt that you have run across the word “pride” more times than usual these last couple of weeks.  While we may not participate in the spirit of this month, it is hard to deny we love celebrating our identities and choices, because in essence, they become the composition of who we are, whether we like it or not.  I am proud of the family I have made, the education I’ve earned, the garden I keep, and the poetry I write.  Each of these things requires time, effort, energy, and dedication to make it beautiful.  These are my efforts, my pride and joy.  However, when I think of God, beginning with the incomparable way he makes the heavens and the earth, my feats are futile.  We are lying to Heavenly Father and ourselves,  if we come to any other emotion than humility.

“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” – James 4:6

Yet too often we put our hope in the things that are fleeting or powers that are finite. When we depend on our power alone or put our faith in anything other than God, we will fall short.  We have access to a God who stands outside of time and has infinite power, so why is it that we must be weaned off of seeking answers from a lesser source? It is pride.  But aren’t we entitled to something for our efforts?  The answer is yes – death! But by the grace of God, we do not receive it when we humble ourselves and ask for help from Jesus Christ, and then His Father takes over.

But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. – Psalm 131:2

Paul, a former Pharisee, clothes himself in humility.  He realized that his accumulation of titles, his formal training, his status, and his education were a bogus bunch of accumulation; in fact, these things become his greatest humility when he states, “Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me; to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ.” (Ephesians 3:9)  It is when Paul submits to Jesus that he knows the full reach of the Gospel message.  Paul decreases, Jesus increases, and the Kingdom of God grows by leaps and bounds with Gentiles receiving the Good News.

Let the message of pride be our call to humility.  When we are asked to define who we are, put aside the usual string of things that are our pride and joy.  Let our first answer be we are humbled before God, and that He is the source of all we have and do.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to have “(insert your name here) decrease and Jesus increase”? (based on words of John the Baptist – John 3:30) What would it look like? What would it sound like? What would be different from last week?
  2. What are the things that you COULD take pride in? When is it good to remember God opposes the proud? How can you work at canning the pride and showing more humility?
  3. Look at the prayers of Paul in Ephesians 3. Does this look like your current prayer list? What might you add to your list? If you don’t currently have a written list, give it a try, write it out and revisit it.
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Grace That is Greater

Old Testament: 2 Kings 7 & 8

Poetry: Psalm 130

New Testament: Ephesians 2

“Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.” Psalm 130:1-2

At the beginning of Ephesians 2, Paul terms the forces at work that draw us away and towards gratifying ourselves as the “Kingdom of the Air.” We hear the wind blowing from this kingdom as we see the work of countless groups that have formed today that are in direct opposition to God.  While these groups follow different threads, they each perpetuate this idea that gratifying your desire is a higher form of living and leads to a more fulfilled life.  This type of living isn’t enlightened; it is carnal.  The “air” is hot and it stinks, so it’s no wonder that this advice leads to a lake of burning sulfur. Yet at some point, we all were residents here.  However, with the waters of baptism, Christ moves us, sending an Uber (not a U-haul because our junk stays behind) and we have made our way out.

“If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.” – Psalm 130:3,4 

 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:8-10

God doesn’t see our rap sheet, whether it extends feet or miles. He doesn’t care if we visited sin on the weekend, or if we had set up a mansion in the city center of a false kingdom.  Those who declare Jesus as the Lord of their life are covered in marvelous grace that hides the stain of sin.  This is not a one time deal, but a perpetual gift that will always outweigh our folly.  Grace isn’t earned through righteous acts, but it is the free gift of God received when we acknowledge the trespass, transgression, and unrighteousness.  We put to death the selfishness, and we become alive in Christ, ready to take on the mission which has been prepared by a loving Father. 

“Israel, put your hope in the Lord for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.” – Psalm 130:7

Moreover, we are called to show grace to others. While we don’t live in the past, we should remind ourselves of where we once lived.  We do so, not as a comparison, but to remind ourselves that we desperately need the grace of God, and additionally, have benefited from the grace extended by those who follow Him.  Jesus addresses the issue of grace in the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, as a response to Peter’s inquiry about how many times we should offer forgiveness (Matt 18:21-35).  We cannot out love God.  We cannot out forgive God.  We cannot out grace God.  Like our Heavenly Father, let the stories we tell not be about the trespass, but let it be about the grace that is greater than sin.

“In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” Ephesians 2:21-22

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. Make a little comparison chart – Old Life of Sin vs. New Life in Christ. Use Ephesians 2 and your own personal experience. What does each look like? Characteristics of each? Ruler of each? Future of each?
  2. If you haven’t personally experienced new life in Christ yet, what is holding you back?
  3. What does God’s gift of grace mean to you? Today, how will you thank God for this gift? How will you show God’s grace to another?
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Defining Jesus

Old Testament: 2 Kings 5 & 6

Poetry: Psalm 129

New Testament: Ephesians 1

In the first Chapter of Ephesians, Paul spells out the significance of Jesus Christ.  Jesus is the stipulation for the grace that we receive.  Without his propitiation, we are without a promise.  The role of Jesus in this plan isn’t singular, but multifaceted.  The intention of Ephesians 1 isn’t to spell out distinctive theology; however, to understand salvation you must understand the Messiah.  While this is not all-inclusive, here are some of the basics delivered to us in the beginning of this church’s letter:

1. Jesus is the Son of God. His Father is also His God. (1:3, 1:17)

In verse three and seventeen of this Chapter, Paul refers to the Heavenly Father as the God of Jesus.  Wait. What?! Much of Christianity treats Jesus and God as synonyms.  Paul makes this important distinction in this letter to show that the Father is who we petition and who gives. Jesus makes this clear repeatedly in the Gospels when he states that he does nothing by his own power and authority. (John 5:30; 8:28) However, through the faith and name of Jesus, we have an eternal subscription to God paid through the blood of the Son of God, but it is our Heavenly Father who pours out His Spirit to us and gives us wisdom and revelation to know GOD better; to walk in step with him, just as Christ did.(John 17:20-23)

2. Jesus is our Brother. (1:5, 1:11,12)

Paul makes it clear in Ephesians and Galatians that we are God’s adopted sons and daughters. The particular phrase in verse five, “adoption to sonship,” had a greater meaning in Roman context, and is similar to the legal adoption process we know today. This means that we receive all the rights and privileges, we are considered equal to a biological relative, and we now bear the surname of God.  The inference then becomes we are the adopted brothers and sisters of Jesus, who, referring back to point one, is the Son of God.  What then do we receive? The same inheritance as Christ: the Holy Spirit, resurrection, and the Kingdom of God.

3. Jesus is our Savior (1:7, 1:18,19)

.While this statement has been alluded to in the opening paragraph and the previous point, it is most important to note that Jesus is our Savior.  Our inheritance would be null and void if not for the redemption of sin, which is a treasure in itself, a bounty of God’s grace.  Jesus accomplished this through a life and death in accordance with God’s will.  No more sacrifice is required because he became the fragrant offering.  He is still saving us; his death is still washing away the stain of sin.  He did save us once (Hebrews 7:27) but through the grace of God, saves us again and again through grace and repentance.

4. Jesus is Head of the Church. (1:22,23)

It is God who has appointed and placed the body of believers under the head of Jesus.  Jesus is literally God’s right-hand man. It is Christ’s spirit, meaning his purpose and drive, that should be the same spirit of the Church.  Who better to lead us than the one who experienced life in the same way as us? (Hebrews 4:15) Paul took direction from Jesus face-to-face, but we take direction from His life in the scriptures.  In the same manner, let us proclaim the Kingdom of God and message of salvation in a similar fashion to Jesus; he has shown us how to live in this manner.  

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. What is significant about the relationship between God and Jesus? What jobs/positions does each hold? According to this passage, what is unique about each?
  2. What do Christians miss out on when they use Jesus and God as synonyms?
  3. What has Jesus done for you? Thank God for His Son Jesus and all he is to you.
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Names

Old Testament: 2 Kings 3 & 4

Poetry: Psalm 128

New Testament: Ephesians Intro – coming this afternoon because sometimes two posts are better than one

When we decided to name our children, I thought long and hard about the meaning behind each of their names. It was more than picking a cute name out of a book, or making sure they weren’t one of eight of the same-named kids in their class, or avoiding mispronunciations throughout the whole of their life.  My thoughts were more along the lines of a Bible name.  Well not directly from the Bible, like my names Aaron & Jonathan, but something with a deep, and sometimes, literal meaning.  For example: 

Adam – Son of the earth

Moses – Taken from the water 

Esau – Red & hairy

David – Beloved

Peter – Rock

Yeshua (Jesus) – Deliverer.  

What qualities would their name evoke or how might their name be prophetic?  We ended up landing on Oliver Ace – Peace & unity, Matilda Claire – Strength & clarity,  and Violet Lou – Wisdom & esteemed.  While each of their fulfillments is to be determined, I believe that God, indeed, has a plan for their name. 

Watching the actions of Elisha throughout the course of 2 Kings, we see time and time again the fulfillment of the name to which he was called, “God is Salvation.” In Chapter 4, as a vessel of God in faith, Elisha provides for a widow, saves prophets from being poisoned, feeds 100 with scraps, and brings a child back to life.  In each of these instances, God, through his agent Elisha, is salvation.  God will provide when you are in need.  God will save you from harm.  God will use your offering to multiply the blessing.  God will raise your very life from the grave.  Elisha is aptly named.

What is your name?  Yes, your name may have a rich meaning, or it could be you were named after your mom’s favorite band that had two hit songs and then was never heard from again.  It could be you were named Hannah, not because your parents wanted you to have favor or grace, but because your dad was obsessed with palindromes. It might be impossible to live out these names in such a way, and it could be that my own children’s names are simply names.  So instead, let us take time to focus on the names which God calls those who put their hope and trust in Jesus Christ:

A chosen generation & royal priesthood: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” – 1 Peter 2:9

Children of God: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” – 1 John 3:1

Heirs: “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise”. – Galatians 3:29

His workmanship: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10

Mine: “I have called you by your name. You are mine.” – Isaiah 43:1

These names, as well as many, many more (redeemed, blessed, chosen, victorious, etc.) become our prophecy, our inheritance, and our fulfillment. May God bless us all to fully live out the calling of our names, much like Elisha.

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. Does your name have a calling you are trying to live out? If you could choose any name for yourself – or your children – what would you choose and why?
  2. What do we learn from Elisha about himself and about his God? What do people learn about you and about your God from watching and knowing you?
  3. Which of the names God has chosen for those who chose Him and His Son mean the most to you? Why? What does it show you about God?
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Death and Kingdom: Trivia

THEME WEEK: Death and Kingdom – Daniel 12
Old Testament: 1 Kings 21 & 22
Poetry: Psalm 126

Bible Trivia : The Apocalypse is an apocalypse; the genre of Revelation is not “prophecy” in the strictest sense, but a genre called “apocalypse”. 

There is a LOT of prophecy in Revelation. I think Revelation shows us a picture of the future of the cosmos and the end of this age. However, “apocalyptic literature” is a genre that details events, both of the current day and in the future, with a ton of metaphor and allegory. Apocalypse uses symbolism to teach people that God is acting in history. The authors of this genre also usually view this world pessimistically and declare that a new world is coming quickly. 

In fact, along with Revelation (which we will talk about tomorrow), the book of Daniel is also considered “Apocalyptic”, especially the visions, chapter 7 forward. At the very end of this book, we see a glimpse into the end. I won’t try and explain in a daily devotional the significance of the archangel Michael, the two men speaking at the River, or the specific length of days at the end. (And to be clear, if I had a large book to write to explain it, there is a lot of disagreement and debate about the full meaning of some parts of this book; all my thoughts are just another disciple adding their musing to what the church has said for centuries.)

But there are a few things I would like to point out about chapter 12 that I can say with much more confidence.

First, in verse 2, the author uses a common expression, “many”, to mean “everyone.” In the end, all will be raised. This one resurrection pictured is to be raised to life and raised to judgement. Everyone’s life will be opened up on display before the Messiah. In Hebrews 9:27-28, we read “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” After death comes judgment for all, but those who eagerly wait for Christ will be saved. Some will come up to life, those who have done good will come out to the resurrection of life. (John 5:29) Some will come out to everlasting shame and contempt, those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. (John 5:29, again) Those who do not receive life, who do not do the work of God by believing in the name of Jesus (John 6:29), will receive the opposite of life. Those of whom the Messiah is ashamed, whom God contempts, they will not receive the life of the Messiah, or be in the presence of the God who is the source of life. 

Second, those whose name are written in the book will be delivered. (12:1) To experience this, you must be numbered among the wise. After the coming of the Messiah, it is not being wise on our own, and certainly not being wise in our own eyes, but being wise by trusting in Him who is the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:24) Not only should we trust in the Jesus the Messiah, but we should “turn many to righteousness”. (Daniel 12:3) We turn many to righteousness when we preach the message of the Kingdom, when we “make disciples by going into the world, baptizing them, and teaching them all Jesus has commanded.” (Compare Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-16, Acts 1:8)

Third, and finally, you can be like Daniel. Daniel was told point blank by the angel “you will rest” (die) “and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.” (Daniel 12:13) My friend, if you place your trust in Jesus, if you believe that he died to bring you into relationship with God, that he reigns from heaven at the right hand of God over the church, and that he is coming to reward those who follow his will by the power of the spirit he gives, the words spoken to Daniel, “you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance”, are spoken to you. You WILL have eternal life, the promise of God, given by Christ (Romans 6:23), and confirmed by the Spirit. (Ephesians 1:14)

And that is anything but trivial.  

-Jake Ballard

Reflection Questions

  1. Does the order of events matter – in a story, criminal trial, math problem or God’s plan of salvation?
  2. Is the information given to Daniel (including the order of events) widely accepted and believed today? Why or why not? What is different from many ideas held today? What is not mentioned in Daniel 12? Why do you think it is not mentioned?
  3. Are you prepared for the return of Jesus the Messiah? Why or why not? Is there anything God wants you to do before you rest, rise and receive? If so what? And when, where, how will you do it?
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