Tag: Bible

Photoreceptors

Old Testament: 2 Samuel 22

Poetry: Proverbs 7

New Testament: Ephesians 5

A few weeks back my children were very excited to have me read a new book they checked-out from the library.  Not yet mastering the alphabet, their choices are often from the featured book table, typically the flashiest cover; however, the book they chose did not meet my expectation. Their choice: The Worm.  The title wasn’t a metaphor. Not a how-to on dance moves. Not a fictional story of a kid-turned-wrestler.  It was literally a picture book just about worms, and so we began to learn everything I never wanted to know about these three phylums of the animal kingdom.  Did you know that worms can be over 100 feet long? And there are people around the world who eat worms? Or that worms are hermaphrodites? Probably the most relevant fact to today’s devotion is that most worms, including the earthworm, don’t have eyes. This doesn’t stop them from knowing when they are exposed to light. Built into the skin of earthworms are photoreceptors which work as light detectors. These creatures of darkness cannot exist in the light. Being caught above the surface trying to do your same wormy thing equals starvation, dehydration, or becoming prey.

Looking at today’s Proverb, we can see that the speaker is specifically warning his son about infidelity and adultery.  If we use a broader brush with this wisdom, and extend the metaphors and figures of these proverbs as is often done, we can bring our own struggle with sin into the picture.  “Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths.  Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death. (Prov. 7:25-27).” Don’t stray into the path of lust, pride, greed,or being obscene (Eph 5:1-3).  A knock on the door soon becomes a visit. A visit becomes a stay.  When you stay long enough, it is where you live (James 1:14-15). Like a worm, deeper and deeper you dig yourself into the ground, making your bed and lying in the grave.

You may not have heeded the warning up to this point, so here is the wake-up call to all of us worms trying to hide from the light, whether it be for a day or decades,“But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.  This is why it is said, “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you (Eph 5:13-14).’” When we are exposed by the light of God, we shrivel up and die.  This can be tremendous or tragic. Waking up today means we die unto ourselves and become a new creation in Christ.  We are covered, cleansed, and made pure through God’s grace given to us through the blood of the Lamb.  If our dry bones do not rattle and we die in our darkness, there is no rebirth. Only an eternal separation, a scorching from the Light, because, “For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.  Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them (Eph 5:5-7).” 

You may have fallen victim to a snare, directly disobeying the commands of God. Don’t sleep on this. Restore your relationship with the One True God, and in the midst of the distress, ask for help and He will answer, not letting you become a victim to the grave (2 Sam 22:5-7). God has given us a path to repentance and an amazing grace. It is time to put your photoreceptors to work, find the surface, and enter again into His marvelous light.

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. What sins have seduced you? What was enticing about this sin? Have you gone in for a visit, or a stay, or is that where you live now?
  2. What do you know about God’s wrath? What do you know about God’s grace? How does God decide which worm gets the grace and which worm gets the wrath? Which worm are you right now?
  3. How active have your photoreceptors been? Do you recognize the difference between light and dark? Unlike the worm, do you seek the light? How?
sglcalendar2024Download

Unity

Old Testament: 2 Samuel 20-21

Poetry: Proverbs 6

New Testament: Ephesians 4

After the attacks on September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush spoke to the emergency workers in Ground Zero through a megaphone, finding a response that resonated with the entire country and even more, the world, “I can hear you. The rest of the world hears you. And the people who knocked down these buildings will hear all of it soon.” A historical 92% of the country approved of the job he was doing, bringing together a country that was fraying at the seams in the previous election cycle. It is hard to imagine something similar happening today; no matter who is the president-elect in November, half of the country will be instantly dissatisfied with the results.  These are typical terms we accept in our government, but also this “majority rules” culture has historically found its way into boardrooms and even churches. Let me quickly lower the tension by stating that today’s devotion is not about politics or presidents.  It does not upend or chastise any church form of government. Its sole purpose is to examine the expectation of unity laid out for the church body, as it might be equally unimaginable. 

This spirit of unity was on the mind of Jesus before being arrested in the garden of Gethsemane. He prays for his disciples and all believers when he leaves us the following words, “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. (John 17:11b)” Jesus knew his departure to the cross would scatter His apostles, create infighting, and feed doubt. Fortunately, with the exception of Judas, each of them found their way back to a unified front. Having seen Jesus Christ raised to life, they each waited for the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.  They each dedicated their lives to sharing the Good News of the Kingdom of God. They each shared in martyrdom or exile for the sake of Christ.

In the same manner, I have seen churches unite during revival, when facing tragedy, or during persecution from the outside. It is easy for the dross to fall away when the metal is hot, but what about when the metal starts to cool? What does unity look like in maintenance mode? Within the day-to-day routine of uniting relationships, mulling through ministries, and discerning what is best for a body of believers? In Ephesians 4, Paul describes this as “walk[ing] in a manner worthy of the calling, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

While there could be a devotion on each of the elements of this verse, let’s quickly unpack the key points given to Ephesus. First, walking implies that it is not a quick process, but instead requires some dedication to go the distance (Eph 2:10). Next, humility is the acknowledgement that self-reflection should be the first step in the process, making adjustments and amendments when necessary (Matt 7:3-5; Phil 2:3), and gentleness is the grace that is extended to my brother and sisters during this same process, as imperfect people try to discern the will of God (Col 4:6). Additionally, we are required to commit to patience and love, easily spoken but in reality, conflict makes us more unbearable to one another (Col 3:12-14; Matt 18:15-20). In the body of believers, this is similar to taking the last rep of weight training, it burns the most, but it is the one that produces the result. Finally, eagerness to maintain unity means we stay focused on what unites us (Rom 14:19), defending against the six things the Lord hates (Prov. 6:16-19), and keep our mission far away from doctrinal nuances or extra-biblical preferences.

Unity takes far more work than building a majority.  It isn’t a compromise or consensus because there are no losers. We grow as one together. We move towards one another as we move towards our Heavenly Father. Today, let us be extra mindful in our prayer time to dwell on the topic of unity and ask God to reveal our vision and repair divisions that may exist.  May we live out the prayer of Jesus and the petitions of Paul to become one like our God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. Where and when have you experienced or seen the beauty of a united church body?
  2. Dedication, humility, gentleness/grace, patience, love, focused on what unites. How can you exhibit these qualities today? How can you use them to increase the unity of your church? What can happen when just one is missing?
sglcalendar2024Download

Leading Through Hardship

Old Testament: 2 Samuel 18 & 19

Poetry: Proverbs 5

New Testament: Ephesians 3

As President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln is uniquely positioned in American history as the only leader of a broken country.  No matter who he chose to serve in his cabinet, how empathetic his staff was to his role, how much they helped to shoulder the load or strengthened his areas of weakness,  no one can truly understand the weight borne by the Commander-in-Chief, whose presidency was the bookends to rebellion. A great example of this can be seen in Vicksburg, a Union siege took out the Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi which was a key route for reinforcement and supplies.   While this battle represented a great public triumph for Lincoln’s side, it also held personal tragedy.  Lincoln received the report that his brother-in-law, a Confederate general, was killed in battle.  It was stated by those surrounding him they never saw the president more moved during the war than when he received this news.

Likewise, David’s emotions in victory are complex. Tens of thousands of men look to their king to champion their victory, no doubt hearing stories of how he famously danced in the streets as the Ark made its way into the city.  Instead, they see the lament of a father’s cry.  Great leaders, more than anything else, are human; however, the weight of leadership will undoubtedly tip the scales in favor of fostering commitment, vision, and hope for followers, rather than abandonment trials and tragedy. Joab’s words seem insensitive, “You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead. (2 Sam 19:6) ” but they are actually encouragement to a leader who has made a personal sacrifice to acknowledge that tens of thousands of others had done the same.

The words of Jesus could be thought equally cutting and unfeeling, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:60).” Our ministries do not stop because we face conflict or personal tragedy.  Conversely, I would say this is when our ministry and testimony are spotlighted. By the standards of the world, this conflict provides permission to act selfishly, but when we bear our burdens with the Kingdom of God at the forefront, we lean on God and lead others to the Good News.  Paul makes mention of this in Ephesians 3.  He tells the church at Ephesus not to worry about his suffering, because it is for their sake and to the glory of God.  The same circumstance is both a victory yet a personal hardship. Paul instead lifts those he leads in prayer, asking for the strength of the Holy Spirit to guide those for whom the letter was intended, and likewise, encourage us today.   No matter what scale Paul used, no matter what was placed in the balance, the weight of the Kingdom of God far outweighed any loss. This sentiment is again echoed from his prison cell to the church at Philippi when he states:

“What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.  I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” –  Phil. 3:8,10

While we may not be ready to ask for suffering like Paul, tragic circumstances are the nature of this world. It may be an unfamiliar posture, but our grief, our battle, and our dire circumstance is an opportunity to demonstrate the assurances we have, to revel in the joy and love of God. We must look for opportunities to pray for and encourage others who may be participating in the same battle, asking God to give them the strength to see the victory too.  Yes, we must bear, and even welcome, hardship for the sake of the Kingdom of God because, with the help of God, we can lead within it, bringing others to the saving knowledge of Christ Jesus.

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. What do you learn about leadership from David? From Paul?
  2. What do you think of the statement: “No matter what scale Paul used, no matter what was placed in the balance, the weight of the Kingdom of God far outweighed any loss.” Do you see this in Paul’s life? Do you see this in your own life?
  3. Who will you pray for strength to see the victory?
sglcalendar2024Download

Unwavering Integrity

Old Testament: 2 Samuel 16 & 17

Poetry: Proverbs 4

New Testament: Ephesians 2

As someone who recently dipped my toe in the job pool for the first time in roughly a decade, my curiosity led me to search for job traits of the highly-sought after employees.  I wanted to know what to stress in order to make me the most marketable candidate to separate myself from the pack. I have a number of traits which I feel are valued in the workplace.  I am creative, a troubleshooter, I work well with others, I am honest, a great listener, a quick learner, have pretty good credentials, and can feign intelligence.  While many of the attributes showed up on the Family Feud board, they were not the number one answer.  So what is the most highly sought after trait? Dependability. A CEO, an administrator, a middle-manager are all looking for predictable actions from their employees in order to make schedules, projections, or take calculated risk. I really had to reflect on my dependability. What would be my Vegas odds? For showing up on time?  Seeing things through? Using my work time ethically? Giving my best effort on all aspects of my job?  Are stress, weather, or home field advantage influential factors?

It is not just employers looking for our dependability, or more accurately, unwavering integrity.  Proverbs 4 insists that seeking wisdom and counsel in the word of God is a critical aspect. When we are guided by God’s wisdom, no matter the circumstance, we are found along a straight path and we do not stumble. (4:11,12)  On any other path we find ourselves arriving late, giving up when the situation becomes pressed or less advantageous, we may steal time for ourselves, or phoning in the work of God.

In a continuation of the challenge to the throne of the king that occurs in 2 Samuel, David is cursed by Shimei, who is ready to watch David receive his just desserts for the damage done to the house of Saul. David doesn’t defend himself and halts a rushed retribution ready to be delivered by Abashai. A quick note about the irony here, Saul impulsively chucked literal spears at David, a far less-measured approach.  David. however, acts in faith, knowing that the words may be from God, and he might need to heed them, and if not, God will deliver justice and redemption in His time.  David proves again to be a level-headed leader, but furthermore, a dependable agent of God.

Likewise, in the moments we are called out or we are tossed by a rough crosswind, (Mark 4) our true measure of our dependability is on display. Do we really continue walking on a straight path when it seems like each step becomes more rocky, the ground shifts, or we hear the thunder clapping above? It is easy to become reactive, volatile, and abandon our posts. Ephesians 2 speaks of the origin of grace, but far too often we forget to continue to read on to understand why the grace of God is extended: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”  We should continue to take faithful steps because our works, our way, and our walk have been prepared beforehand by our God.  This is the only integrous act if we have accepted the grace of God and the anointing (chosen by God) knowledge of Jesus Christ (1 John 2:20).

When your name makes a run through the mud, be dependable.  When someone uses their power to persecute you, be dependable. When it seems you are deserving of fairer weather, be dependable. When you are called to move on faith alone, be dependable. Ultimately, God will have an answer waiting in the wisdom’s walk.  Better yet, God has promised to reward those who live with this integrity to the good work they are called to, giving eternity to those who depend on the Lord for their steps today. 

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. If you were applying for a job doing the good works God has prepared for you to do, could you truthfully list “dependable” on your resume? In what instances have you been less than dependable? Have there been times when your integrity wavered? What got in the way?
  2. How can you work towards boosting your unwavering integrity score? What could/should you add in to your life? What could/should you take away? What do you think helped build David’s integrity at this point in his life? Are there any attitude shifts you might want to work on?
  3. What good works do you think God has prepared for you to do? Are you doing them – dependably?
sglcalendar2024Download

Utter Betrayal

Old Testament: 2 Samuel 15

Poetry: Proverbs 3

New Testament: Ephesians 1

We have had a particularly rough week with our four year old son. He has been pushing hard on the boundaries of our well-established routines. One more episode. One more toy. One more minute. One more game. One more snack. One more destination. Seemingly an infinite amount of times my wife and I have offered correction in punitive, redirective, and rehabilitative forms.  In particular, these insistences led to an implosion at bedtime a few days ago.   In that moment, his unrelenting barrage was a challenge to my authority as a parent, and down swung the hammer. I know this is only the beginning. Each of the remaining years of my life as his father, both his will and his physical strength will increase, and it will be well within his power to usurp me when there is more at stake than a night of rest.

This is where David finds himself with his son, Absalom. This prince wanted just one more thing, the kingship for himself. He was skipped in favor of Solomon, leading him down a path of familial betrayal, worthy of a primetime drama. Furthermore, this act of mutiny runs even deeper.  Absalom was pitting himself against God’s anointed. This leads to deep emotional turmoil for David. A king who wishes to remain in power should squash any hint of rebellion; however, David submits to his role as a father and more importantly, trusting God to provide him with an answer and response which can be found in 2 Samuel 15:25: “Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the Lord, He will bring me back and let me see both it and His dwelling place.  But if he says, ‘I have no pleasure in you,’ behold, here I am, let Him do to me what seems good to Him.’”

When faced with betrayal David did not respond with bitterness nor retaliation. He tested his methods in the fires of the Heavenly Father, trusting in the sovereignty of God over the product of pride.  Did this put David in a strategically weak position?  Absolutely, but David’s goal was not to snuff out an insurrection, but to ultimately realign himself with Absalom and restore him back into his presence. When I see David in this moment, I see a father I want to be, but I also see the actions of someone who mimics the attributes of God. Proverbs 3:5-6 beckons our battle with betrayal with this well-known wisdom “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” While we cannot test with the presence of God existing in an ark, we do have the Holy Spirit living in us. We don’t bring the hammer first, but are merciful, gracious, compassionate, faithful,  slow to anger, and abounding in love and forgiveness (Psa. 86:15)

Let us never forget that we are, first, the ones that have trespassed against God and have spilled the blood of Christ. Yet those in Ephesus in the first century and those across the world today who put their trust in Jesus have the same greeting:“[God] has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him.” (Eph. 1:3b-4) In our betrayal there is a sovereign and loving plan that brings restoration, so that none might perish but all may have everlasting life (John 3:17). Stephen, whose stoning is attributed to the action of Ephesians’s author, might tell you to trust the process, taking action and direction from God and choosing his goodness over vengeance.

From time to time, a good Father will bring down the hammer, and in fact, Our Sovereign God’s final attribute is not leaving the guilty unpunished. Nevertheless, when feeling there is a knife in our back or heart, our first and foremost reaction should be to lean on the Heavenly Father not on our hubris.  In this way, we go beyond obedience and restoration to an earthly parent or monarch. We become an example of our Creator, bringing obedience and restoration to Him that provides an eternal answer to utter betrayal, restoring us to His family line and an enduring rest.

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. What is your experience with betrayal? Were you the betrayer or the betrayed? Was bitterness and/or retaliation involved? What can you learn from David in 2 Samuel 15?
  2. If you are a parent or you know a parent, how can parents mirror God’s mercy, grace, compassion, faithfulness,  slowness to anger, and abounding in love and forgiveness ? Why are those attributes important to establish? What role does the hammer, justice and judgment play?
  3. When did you trust in God by not following what human nature says is right? How can this be helpful in a situation that you face today?
sglcalendar2024Download

Ramifications & Restorations

Old Testament: 2 Samuel 13 & 14

Poetry: Proverbs 2

New Testament: Galatians 6

The second day of school has traditionally been my rule day. In the midst of hearing about respect, responsibility and best efforts, students are surprisingly invited to leave the classroom.  “Did you know you don’t have to sit here and listen to me speak another word? In fact, you can leave. You can walk out right now…” Typically someone who I will get to know better as my class clown playfully walks to the door, and then I say, “but you have to deal with the consequences.” Then I lead students down the timeline of possible outcomes that lead to suspension, loss of friendships, poorer relationships at home, less opportunity in the future, and finally, on their deathbed alone, all because they chose to walk out of my class.  Thankfully, no one has ever walked out.

Amnon’s actions are far more sinister than walking out on his teacher.  Acting on his lust, he rapes his half-sister, both a violation and grievous sin against God’s law.  This comes with its own un-hyperbolic chain of tragic ramifications. For two years, his half-brother, Absalom, becomes consumed with calculating revenge. There is discord in the family tree designed after God’s own heart. Ultimately, Amnon’s disregard for divine laws leads to an untimely death. This is the havoc that sin can wreak, even in a single choice.

It is safe to say that most of our choices fall between leaving a classroom without permission and Amnon’s sin. Likewise, the vast majority of time, the immediate consequence lies somewhere between a phone call home and death (although, quick note: all sin leads to death. Rom 3:23)  So how do we stay away from the edge of the slippery slope? Proverbs 2:1-5 gives us an insight:

“My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” 

The pursuit of wisdom from God is portrayed as a protective measure against the consequence of sin, serving as a shield and guide against temptation. It leads us far and away from destructive patterns or downfalls and moves us closer to our good intentions, but better yet, our good God.  

Furthermore, we do not have to fight sin or seek wisdom alone.  Paul beckons the family of God to be on the watch for one another. In Galatian 6 he states, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” This means that offering wisdom to one another in the form of correction and accountability may halt the tragic dominos from falling or make a path forward to clean up the mess, “bearing one another’s burden.” In this way, Joab advises Absalom to deal with his own ramifications, temporarily restoring the rift in the line of David.

We must be diligent to seek God’s wisdom, especially when navigating temptation.  If the chips have already fallen, let the consequence be a sobering reminder that there is opportunity for restoration in God through Jesus Christ. Though it may still hurt in the present, be reminded that the sting and tears are conditions of mortality and not life eternal.  Likewise, let us pull alongside others who are battling, being gracious because of our own shortcomings, running to their defense and offering correction. In this way, we may avoid the siege that comes with a breached wall of will and choose the power of restoration through God’s wisdom and grace.

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you more intent upon seeking after wisdom or your own will? What can you do to pursue wisdom more?
  2. How can you be a part of someone else’s battle against temptation and their own will? How can you help, offering restoration with God, to one who is caught in their sin? Give specifics – name who, and your actions to free them from their deadly trap.
sglcalendar2024Download

In the Spirit – OR – in the Flesh

Old Testament: 2 Samuel 12

Poetry: Proverbs 1

New Testament: Galatians 5:24-26

In 2 Samuel 12 we read all about how King David is rebuked for his sinful ways and the real consequences he would suffer as a result of his sin. 

9 Why have you despised the word of the Lord by doing evil in His sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword, have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the sons of Ammon. 10 Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.’ 11 Thus says the Lord, ‘Behold, I will raise up evil against you from your own household; I will even take your wives before your eyes and give them to your companion, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. 

Proverbs 1:31 from today’s reading gives us a sobering reminder of what happens when we choose to be ruled by the flesh rather than by the Spirit.


“So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way

And be satiated with their own devices. (NASB 1995)

If we want to avoid disastrous consequences brought on by sin, Galatians 5 gives us some sound advice:

24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 

Proverbs 1:7 further instructs us on how to live wisely:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;

Fools despise wisdom and instruction. (NASB 1995)

The Bible is full of examples from which we can learn. Sometimes I read the story of David and think how on earth could he do those things, but then I quickly remember that saying, “As soon as you point a finger at someone, you have four fingers pointing right back at you.” God’s word is a mirror for our hearts. If we are left to our own devices and follow the ways of our flesh, disastrous consequences inevitably ensue. We must make a conscious choice to live and walk by the Spirit. The good news is that we are not irredeemable if we have been led astray by our flesh at one point. The story wasn’t over for David and it doesn’t have to be over for us. We can make that choice to reconcile with God and we can be assured by the parables of the prodigal son and the lost sheep that He will welcome us with open arms. Your story is not over while you still have breath. If you’ve walked away from God, please know His heart yearns for you to return to Him and He will welcome you back with loving arms. The choice is up to you.

Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Did you notice that nothing can cause God not to love us? God forgave King David and He can certainly forgive you.

-Kristy Cisneros

Reflection Questions

  1. What consequences for sin have you experienced or are you still experiencing? What would you recommend to someone (including yourself) contemplating the sin which brought the consequences?
  2. What role did Nathan play in 2 Samuel 12? Who sent him to David and why? As uncomfortable as it may seem, is there someone God wants to send you to?
  3. Living by the flesh or living by the Spirit – what are the pros and cons of each? Which will win in your life?
  4. What does reconciliation with God look like in your life? What blessings did David receive after his sin and reconciliation? What blessings have you received after sin and reconciliation? How would you describe God’s love?
sglcalendar2024Download

God’s Amazing Character

Old Testament: 2 Samuel 9 & 10

Poetry: Psalm 72

New Testament: Galatians 5:22

We previously read the Seek.Grow.Love year’s readings with the objective of focusing on what we could discover and celebrate about God’s character. Today’s reading in Psalm 72 paints a beautiful picture of the kingdom and highlights wonderful attributes of God’s amazing character. We read in verses 4 and 12-14 about His heart for the afflicted, the crushed and the needy.

Give the king Your judgments, O God,

And Your righteousness to the king’s son.

4 

May he vindicate the afflicted of the people,

Save the children of the needy

And crush the oppressor.

12 

For he will deliver the needy when he cries for help,

The afflicted also, and him who has no helper.

13 

He will have compassion on the poor and needy,

And the lives of the needy he will save.

14 

He will rescue their life from oppression and violence,

And their blood will be precious in his sight;

I am always blown away that we are blessed enough to have a Heavenly Father with such compassion and unconditional love for us. Let that sink in for a minute. This passage actually made me think of a few other passages. One was from the story of Ruth and Naomi and we read how they were able to glean the fields per the provision of God’s law. Those harvesting the land were not to clear the grounds of the crops that had fallen or clear all the way to the edges so that the needy could glean the field. 

We can read about this law in Leviticus 19:9 “‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. 10 Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the Lord your God.

Here are a couple of other passages that came to mind:

James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Isaiah 1:17: learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.

If reading these passages doesn’t give you pause, it really should. Take a moment to really think about God’s heart and what that means for you. Take time to deeply celebrate and appreciate who He is! May we seek to imitate His character by looking after the needy, the fatherless and the widow.

-Kristy Cisneros

ReFLection Questions

  1. Where have you seen evidence of God’s amazing character?
  2. How would you describe God’s heart?
  3. How can you pass on God’s compassion and helping hand to others?
  4. Can the fruits of the Spirit of love, kindness and goodness be seen in you?
sglcalendar2024Download

Peace & Joy – Even in Trials

Old Testament: 2 Samuel 7 & 8

Poetry: Psalm 71

New Testament: Galatians 5:22

“And the Lord helped David wherever he went.”

This phrase shows up twice in chapter eight of 2 Samuel. The repetition of this phrase  tells me that it must be an especially important message that God wants us to hear. Reading this sentence calls to mind the passage in Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (NIV) We know this promise was not just reserved for the Israelites because this promise is referenced again in Hebrews 13 in a message to all believers: 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,

“Never will I leave you;
    never will I forsake you.”

I also want to throw in verse 6 for good measure since it really helps drive home the point.

6 So we say with confidence,

“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
    What can mere mortals do to me?”

I love that the passage in Psalm 71 is coupled with today’s reading. We can see that David is ever mindful of his source of help and strength and this whole passage reads like a recipe for having joy in the midst of suffering.

6 

From birth I have relied on you;

    you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.

    I will ever praise you.

7 

I have become a sign to many;

    you are my strong refuge.

8 

My mouth is filled with your praise,

    declaring your splendor all day long. (NIV)

19 

Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens,

    you who have done great things.

    Who is like you, God?

20 

Though you have made me see troubles,

    many and bitter,

    you will restore my life again;

from the depths of the earth

    you will again bring me up.

21 

You will increase my honor

    and comfort me once more. (NIV)

Psalm 71 reminds us that we are not promised a trouble-free life. In fact, Jesus promises us just the opposite in John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Notice the promise that we can have peace in spite of suffering and trouble. Peace is even a fruit of the Spirit listed in today’s passage of Galatians 5:22: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (NASB 1995). 

What is the key to having this peace? Abiding in Christ and holding fast to our hope that Jesus has overcome the world is key! 

We are further reminded of this promise in today’s passage of 2 Samuel 7 that unfolds God’s covenant with David that will be fulfilled through Jesus Christ:

12 When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he commits iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men, 15 but My lovingkindness shall not depart from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever.” (NASB 1995)

No matter what life throws our way, we can have peace and joy by abiding in Christ and holding fast to the hope we have in him thanks to the loving plan of our Heavenly Father. May we be especially comforted by God’s promise that He will never leave us or forsake us. We are not alone in this journey and God—the maker of the universe—cherishes us and is with us every step of the way! Wow!

Luke 12:7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. (NASB 1995)

-Kristy Cisneros

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you needed to hear Psalm 71? How can you relate to David and his words?
  2. If you were to make a poster, memory card or bumper sticker of one or two verses from Psalm 71 which verses would you choose and why?
  3. Where would you rate your peace – even in the midst of trials? Where would you rate your joy? What can you do to increase your peace and joy? How can you abide more closely to Jesus, how can you trust more fully in His Father and yours?
sglcalendar2024Download

Recognized by Your Fruit

Old Testament: 2 Samuel 5 & 6

Poetry: Psalm 71

New Testament: Galatians 5:22

Matthew 7:15-20:

15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. (NIV)

“By their fruit, you will recognize them.” The fruit we bear in our lives is a litmus test for our spiritual health and the strength of our relationship with our Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ. We just read yesterday how apart from Christ we can do nothing. So our ability to bear good fruit depends on our willingness to abide in Christ. Take an inventory of your life. Do you see evidence of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? Taking this inventory of my life highlights areas where I need to repent of sin and abide more deeply in Christ. It is also important not to just take a cursory, shallow glance at that list of fruits, but to dig deeper and investigate more in depth what the scriptures have to say about the various fruits. For example, with the fruit of love, Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:44, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Does my life show evidence of loving my enemies? Whew, I’m going to be real here, that is a tough one! To actually pray for someone who might be actively working against you or for your demise seems so counterintuitive to our human nature and our survival instinct. God, you want me to give my enemy a salt shaker so that they can rub it into my raw wound even more? Doesn’t that leave me vulnerable and unprotected? Do the scriptures support that God leaves us vulnerable and unprotected? In a couple of weeks you will be reading in Ephesians 6:10-17 about the spiritual suit of armor that God provides us. I won’t go too in depth with it since there are devotions coming that week, but that passage shows us that God protects us from head to toe. Also, remember we are talking about the fruit of the Spirit and John 15 reminds us that we are not alone in this battle.

John 15

26 “When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me, 27 and you will testify also, because you have been with Me from the beginning. (NASB 1995)

The scriptures also have something to say about who fights our battles. Let’s take a close look at Romans 12:19-21: 

19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (NIV)

Did you catch that part about putting that love of our enemies into action by feeding them if they are hungry, giving them something to drink if they are thirsty? That’s taking that command to love your enemies to the next level, isn’t it?!?!  Are you prepared to do that? Am I? It’s time for a heart check.

It really boils down to trusting God, doesn’t it? Do we believe Him when He says that He’s got it handled? If we find our faith lacking in this area, this is something we can pray about. It brings to mind the passage in Mark 9:

17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” (NIV)

Later we read in verses 21-24:

21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”

“From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (NIV)

That verse always touches my heart because I can relate to it so well. I know what the scriptures tell us, but sometimes my trust and faith are lacking. Sometimes my prayers sound something like this, “Father, I know that Your word tells me that I am to love my enemies, but it’s so hard, God. It hurts so much. I need Your strength to show them the love Your word says I should show them. Father, I know that Your word says that You will work all things together for the good of those who love Him. Help me to love You more deeply and fully and to trust that promise so that my fear does not hold me back from being obedient to Your word to love my enemies. Help my lack of faith in this area. Help my unbelief.”

In today’s passage in Psalm 71 we read how God handled David’s enemies:

24 My tongue will tell of your righteous acts

    all day long,

for those who wanted to harm me

    have been put to shame and confusion. (NIV)

Our only job in regards to our enemies is to love them and to follow through with loving action that helps meet their needs. God’s got the rest of it.

-Kristy Cisneros

Reflection Questions

  1. If a stranger watched you for an hour yesterday, would they have seen good fruit or bad? Would they guess that you abide in Christ? Do you? How can you do so more and more?
  2. Who might you consider as your enemy? How do you typically treat them? What is Jesus asking you to do for them? Will you? When and how?
sglcalendar2024Download