Tag: daily devotion

Set Apart for God

2 Kings 18:1-8
2 Chronicles 29-31
Psalm 48

              Chapters 29 through 31 of Second Chronicles talks about King Hezekiah and how he followed God by cleansing the temple and reestablishing the law upon the people. When King Hezekiah became king, he could have done many things to build up his own name, become prosperous, and live life as he desired it. Instead, we see that he chose to steer his people back to God and lift God’s authority over his own.

[1] Hezekiah began to reign when he was twenty-five years old, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Abijah the daughter of Zechariah. [2] And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done. 2 Chronicles 29:1-2 (ESV)

I find it fascinating that a twenty-five-year-old man with so much capability, power, money, and status would choose to spend his effort on making the nation of Israel God’s people not something for his gain. Now this is what Hezekiah told the Levites to do as a step towards restoring holiness to Israel.

[5] and said to them, “Hear me, Levites! Now consecrate yourselves, and consecrate the house of the LORD, the God of your fathers, and carry out the filth from the Holy Place. [6] For our fathers have been unfaithful and have done what was evil in the sight of the LORD our God. They have forsaken him and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the LORD and turned their backs. 2 Chronicles 29:5-6 (ESV)

              I think we can take this advice which was intended for the Levites and apply it to our lives. God’s will for us is that we would be sanctified and set apart in our thoughts, actions, and speech. Something we can do to help this is simply to ask God that he would give us hearts that desire His will. If our hearts want what God wants, then our lives will reflect that and pour into others as well.

              Why should we set our lives apart for God? Psalm 48, a great reminder of God’s greatness, is helpful in encouraging us to praise him. Psalm 48 says …

              [1] Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! His holy mountain, [2] beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King. Psalm 48:1(ESV)

              This Psalm refers to Jerusalem as Mt Zion, the great city, and as a place that will be lifted high. Because God is steadfast and always faithful, the psalmist praises God. Together with the psalmist, we should become people of praise. I find that praising God, giving thanks to God, and spending time in his presence, gives me joy and peace. A tool that is helpful in praising God is praying through a Psalm. The Psalms contain many beautiful sayings that come from the truth of God’s word just like these two verses in Psalm 48.

              [9] We have thought on your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple. [10] As your name, O God, so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is filled with righteousness. Psalm 48:9-10 (ESV)

Application Questions:

What are some things that are preventing us from giving God glory?

What is one thing you can do this week to set yourself apart from the world?

-Jeremiah Grable

We welcome a new writer for SeekGrowLove. He introduces himself for us:

My name is Jeremiah Grable, and I am 18 years old. I live in Southern California with my wonderful parents and 6 of my 8 siblings. I love being outdoors doing things like playing pickleball, hiking, and doing parkour. I also love traveling and seeing new places. This spring I graduated from high school and plan on attending California State University San Bernadino in the fall in hopes of getting my bachelor’s in business. I have been a believer for 4 years now and got baptized in the fall of 2024.)

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The Problem – and The Solution

Isaiah 23-27

Isaiah 23-27 tells of God’s judgement upon the earth, the peace that comes from God, and the redemption that we find in Him. Though these may seem in opposition to each other, each of these elements is a key facet to the overall theme of these chapters. In chapters 23 and 24, we read about the suffering, desolation, and punishment which is a result of the people’s wickedness. Isaiah 24:5 says that:

              [5] The earth lies defiled under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant. (ESV)

My mind immediately recalls Romans 3:23 which says, “for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”. All of mankind have done things that are displeasing to God and are deserving of the punishment which is talked about in Isaiah 23/24. Often when we sin, there is a conscious knowledge that what we are doing is wrong, yet we continue anyways. Our sin pushes us away from God’s presence and leads us down into some very dark places where we try to cover up or escape the last bad thing we did. This cycle of sin continues, and we draw further away from God and for our unrighteousness, God will punish us. However, there is hope that for those who trust in God and repent from sin, he will save us and deliver us from destruction.

              [8] He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken. (ESV) – Isaiah 25:8

This passage gives me so much hope and encouragement for what is to come when there is no more pain, suffering, and death. Everyone at some point in their lives will experience hardship. Maybe that is the loss of a loved one, battling addiction, becoming seriously ill without any warning, or maybe going through a breakup. Maybe you’re in that time of life right now or maybe it is around the corner. Whatever it is, there is hope that someday, God will restore this earth to its rightful state, but in the meantime, we can set our eyes to the one who has the power to save and deliver.

Isaiah 26:3–5 says:

[3] You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. [4] Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.

I’d like to end with this portion from our text as a final reminder to set your mind on God. This can be very difficult amidst the infinite distractions in our world, but when you set aside these distractions, you can see clearly through that business or pain and find everlasting peace.

Here are some application questions to ask yourself:

Are you building your life upon the God?

When was the last time you asked God to be your rock or firm foundation?

How can you encourage someone in your life and lead them to the hope of deliverance?

-Jeremiah Grable

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The Eternal Rock

Isaiah 13-17

Isaiah 13-17 is a series of prophetic messages of judgment and warning given to the nations surrounding Judah. These chapters out of Isaiah are fairly harsh at first glance, filled with pronouncements of destruction and wrath. However, there’s a deeper trend running through them: God is not just the God of Israel. He is the God of all nations and all the Earth. 

In Isaiah 13-14, Babylon, a powerful and arrogant empire, is judged for its pride and cruelty. God promises to bring it low. In Isaiah 15-16, Moab weeps and wails as its strength fails. In Isaiah 17, Damascus and Ephraim (the northern kingdom of Israel) face ruin because they have forgotten their God in turn for idols. 

Over and over, Isaiah reveals that every nation, every empire, and every people group is accountable to God. No political power, cultural tradition, or military strength can protect a nation from the consequences of pride, injustice, and idolatry.

But there’s hope, too. Mixed into the warnings is the idea that God’s justice is not random or cruel-it’s righteous and serves a purpose. His discipline often carries a redemptive purpose. Nations fall, but God remains. Pride crumbles, but God’s kingdom stands. We must then reflect on our own senses of self. Are we keeping the statutes of the Lord instead of those of the world? Do we carry ourselves in humility? Do we anchor ourselves with the Eternal Rock and the fortress of God? In the end the control belongs not with us, but with God. He is our refuge. 

I close today’s devotion with Isaiah 16:5, a verse that reminds us what will one day replace a world so wicked and so unjust:

“In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it— one from the house of David— one who in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness.” (‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭16‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

-Colby Leggitt

Reflection Questions

  1. After reading the chapters (Isaiah 13-17), what stood out to you most from Isaiah’s prophecies to the nations?
  2. Why do you think pride is such a significant theme in God’s judgment of nations like Babylon and Moab?
  3. In what ways are you tempted to rely on your own strength instead of relying on the Eternal Rock?
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Warning, Mourning and a Whisper of Grace

Micah 1-3

Like many times in history, Israel had to be confronted by a prophet who had a message from God that wasn’t savory. That is, in times of comfort, complacency, and wickedness they would find that they were not walking with the Lord. In Micah 1-3, Micah speaks for the Lord and completely rebukes the state of Israel and the leaders that allow for it to be in the state it is. Their morals have been corrupted, their path is unjust, and they have implemented idols again into their nation. 

The themes from previous days’ devotions persist here. Violent imagery and a great lament is detailed in Micah 1-3 as he warns and mourns the judgement that is to come. The imagery from Micah 3:1-4 is especially fiery and vivid to the imagination as Micah rebukes the leaders of Israel. To pile onto the agony being described, Micah also details that God will be separated from those in religious authority in Israel in Micah 3:7:

“The seers will be ashamed

    and the diviners disgraced.

They will all cover their faces

    because there is no answer from God.”

With this, we must reflect on our own lives. In a position of leadership, we must set an example. James 3 echoes this idea of the judgement that will be faced by those who teach and lead those astray. If we are to act as examples for others, we must also walk in the ways of the Lord. Micah is clear with this striking message: where in our lives have we settled for religiosity without righteousness? Comfort without compassion?

God’s heart breaks over injustice. He doesn’t just call it out. He promises to act. That’s a sobering reminder: God cares too much to remain silent in the face of oppression. However, tucked inside Micah’s warnings is a whisper of grace: “I will surely gather the remnant…” (Micah 2:12). God’s judgment is never the end of the story. Even as He tears down, He is preparing to build again. On that foundation, with that remnant, he will build on principles of humility, justice, and faith.

-Colby Leggitt

Discussion Questions

1. Where in your life or community do you see injustice that needs to be addressed?

2.Are there areas where you’ve grown comfortable with compromise or overlooked truth?

3. How can you walk more humbly and live more justly today?

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Woe to the Complacent…

Amos 6-9

Today we are reading out of the third of the minor prophets, Amos. However, if the first three chapters make you feel a little uneasy: that’s entirely the point! Amos 6 starts with “Woe to you who are complacent in Zion,

    and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria,

you notable men of the foremost nation,

    to whom the people of Israel come!”

Amos is speaking on behalf of God to the people of Israel in a time of prosperity. However, in a time of complacency, the people of Israel have once again allowed for themselves to become spiritually corrupt. They “lie on beds adorned with ivory,” and “lounge on (your) couches,” but they “will be among the first to go into exile.” (Amos 6:4-7). This is because they “do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph.” Because the people of Israel have become so complacent and uncaring of those in need lest it take away from their pleasure, God seeks to divide and destroy the nation as it currently stands. 

Amos 7-8 essentially goes into vivid imagery of how Israel’s destruction will be met. First, the locusts. However, Amos convinces God to relent to an impending famine. Then, the fire. However, yet again Amos convinces God not to destroy the land. Then, God showed Amos a vision of him holding a plumb line, which is a device used to measure the straightness of a vertical drop. However, when God was “setting a plumb line among my people Israel,” he was measuring their righteousness to his standard. And for this, he must judge them and divide them. 

Surely this should serve as a MASSIVE wakeup call for Israel. Unfortunately, the priest of Bethel (Amaziah) was not wanting Amos to prophesy against Israel in the city of the king. That didn’t end too well for him. Read Amos 7:17 for more on that. Ouch.

We must use this time when Israel was judged as a reflection on our own lives. What does it mean to be complacent? Does God despise complacency? Is it not okay to be comfortable? Although it almost certainly looks to be that way, I would argue that the grave mistake that Israel was making was their complete ignorance of righteousness and their spiritual lives. Are we more concerned with our personal comfort than with the brokenness around us? Do we avoid lamenting over sin and injustice because it disrupts our peace? Although we must always strive for times of peace, we must be aware of our own sin and also make active attempts to comfort those around us who are not at peace. 

Furthermore, God says that a famine will fall upon Israel after all. However, it’s a little different than the usual famine. It’s “Not a famine of bread… but of hearing the words of the LORD” (Amos 8:11). Are we listening for God’s voice or have we tuned Him out in our own prosperity and ignorance? The greatest famine we could ever face is not material, but spiritual when we no longer hunger for God’s Word or even notice when it’s absent. With that said, we must heed the words of Amos and continue to hunger and thirst for the righteousness that God offers us through his words. 

Although most of this sounds like a dire warning and a time for lamenting to come, we actually don’t get to end off our devotion with a bad note! As God promises in Amos 9 that there will be a restoration. “The days are coming… when the reaper will be overtaken by the plowman and the planter by the one treading grapes. New wine will drip from the mountains and flow from all the hills, and I will bring my people Israel back from exile” (Amos 9:13-14). Therefore, if we apply this message to our own spiritual journey, we can know that even if we are burdened by the weight of our own complacency and sin, that it is not too late to act. There is hope for our own restoration, just as God promised that there will be a restoration for the people of Israel. 

-Colby Leggitt

Discussion Questions: 

  1. Where in my life have I grown complacent or overly comfortable?
  2. What injustices am I ignoring or avoiding?
  3. Am I listening for God’s Word daily or has it become background noise?
  4. How can I live today with urgency for hope in restoration through repentance?
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Not-So-Famous Amos

Amos 1-5

I love a good chocolate chip cookie! I can’t say that vending machine cookies are my favorite thing, but if I need a sugar fix, a bag of Famous Amos cookies can do the trick. However, today’s devotion and scripture contain no chocolate chip cookies (unless you would like to eat one while you’re reading).

I can’t think of any songs or poems proclaiming Amos’ greatness. He wasn’t a king, a priest, or in any elevated position. Amos 1:1 says that this not-so-famous Amos was “Among the sheepherders from Tekoa.” Even the place he was from isn’t famous to our modern-day ears. (I had to cheat a little bit to find out more about Amos by going to chapter 7). In Amos 7:14, he says, “I am not a prophet, nor am I the son of a prophet; for I am a herdsman and a grower of sycamore figs.” He didn’t speak out so he would gain fame. He spoke out because God called him to.

Once again, God shows us that he can use anyone from any background as a vessel for His word. Amos had powerful things to say, and He was willing to be God’s vessel. Some of his writings might be a little bit difficult to read and understand without knowing about the events of his day so if you need a Cliff Notes version to help you gain clarity, I recommend this video from The Bible Project.

Remember, it doesn’t matter what your age, gender, race, or education is. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been raised in the church or are just starting on your Christian journey. God can use you to further His Kingdom and share his love!

-Lacey Dunn

Reflection:

• What gifts or talents has God given you that you can use for furthering His Kingdom?

• What is one way that someone else has shared God’s word with you? What made it effective, and how can you effectively share God’s word with someone else?

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Imagine

Isaiah 5-8

As you might have noticed from previous days, I love to take time to imagine I am in a different place or time. When I visualize an event or outcome, it helps me to understand what is happening better. It deepens my understanding and my connection to whatever and wherever I am because I can see it and almost be a part of it.

My encouragement today is for you to try to visualize Isaiah chapter 6. This is one of my go-to scriptures to connect with God before prayer because it helps me to slow down, focus, and reminds me just who I’m praying to. I want to try to share with you the journey I go on with this passage, and I hope that it helps you to enter His presence in a new way.

In chapter 6, we see that Isaiah is having a vision. He says he sees, “The Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of his robe filling the temple.” This is such a strong reminder to me that I’m not just sitting down and having a chat over coffee. I’m talking to God, the creator of the universe. His presence is so vast and mighty that I imagine myself looking up in awe. He is marvelous. He is magnificent.

In my mind, I can smell the sweet but potent smell of incense burning in the temple while my eyes travel to the seemingly unending flow of the fabric of his robes. They glisten with an iridescent sheen. They are as white as newly fallen snow.

I hear the flutter of wings and look even higher up above my creator. I see creatures that are like nothing I’ve ever seen before. They have six wings and are melodically crying out, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory.” It’s almost like a chant. They repeat it over and over again, until I hear myself repeating it too. I feel centered. I feel open and at peace. Nothing else matters at this moment except my connection to my God.

I still smell the incense, but it’s now mixed with the smell of smoke. The cool stone foundations under my feet begin to tremble so much so that I fall on my face and kneel. I hear the most beautiful yet powerful voice of God.” Again, I am reminded just who I’m in the presence of. When I lay my cares and worries down at His feet, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He is able to take them from me. I feel His power and His love all around me as I kneel in his presence.

In my mind, I hear him speak to Isaiah, telling him to speak the words God wants to share with His people. Although I’m not given the same message to speak as Isaiah, I open my heart to God’s leading. I open my ears to His words. “Here am I. Send Me!” I say just as Isaiah had said. I wait and I listen. I feel a warm breeze wrap around me. My spine begins to tingle, and my eyes fill with tears. I am unworthy to be in the same room as my creator, and yet he desires to hear me and spend time with me. No matter is too big or small for Him to hear. He wants me to be in His presence and He wants to guide me. I am His child. This magnificent God, whose power cannot be contained, created me and has a plan for me. I am in awe, and I am humbled.

-Lacey Dunn

Reflection:

• Even if you are not a person who is able to visualize, what is one new thing you could do to deepen your connection with God today?

• If you enjoyed trying out this visualization, perhaps try out visualizing other stories such as being with God in the Garden of Eden or being on the mountain with Moses as the Ten Commandments were given. 

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Hope

Isaiah 1-4

Regardless of your political ideas and loyalties, I believe we can all agree that the world is a mess right now. War and the threat of new wars are a daily reality. Mud-slinging goes back and forth between our politicians while important issues that they should be finding solutions to go unresolved and forgotten until the next election cycle. The soaring cost of buying a home or even purchasing groceries shows no sign of significant improvement. Anxiety and stress levels are high, causing many both inside and outside of the church to feel hopeless.

And yet, we have hope! Although there is quite a bit of reading material from the Bible today, I’m going to focus on just one verse that can bring all of us hope. In the NASB 1995, Isaiah 2:4 says:

“And He will judge between the nations, And will render decisions for many peoples; And they will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nations, And never again will they learn war.”

Imagine living in a time and place where God is our judge. Of course, he is already in our hearts, but the nations of our world don’t worship and obey him. Even the USA, with “In God We Trust” printed on our money, documents, and buildings, does not truly and wholly worship God.

Imagine no more need to create bigger and faster weapons. In verse four, by turning weapons into plowshares and pruning hooks, they are creating tools used for growth instead of destruction. Without war or the threat of war, more creativity and time could be devoted to feeding the hungry and easing each other’s burdens. No one would fear their loved ones becoming a casualty of war or going off to fight only to return as a different person because of their experiences.

I encourage you today, as we await God’s Kingdom, to seek out ways to bring good to the damaged world we live in. Regardless of the hate and dismay, help to cultivate life and renewal for your family, church, and community. Seek peace whenever possible and spread hope far and wide.

-Lacey Dunn

Reflection:

• What are ways that you can spread the hope of God’s peace to others in your family, church, school, work, community, etc…

• Take time to imagine what life will be like in God’s Kingdom. What does it look like, smell like, and feel like?

• Are you feeling hopeless? Who is someone you can talk to who can help restore your hope? 

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He’s a Leper!

2 Kings 16 & 2 Chronicles 26

In our house, we’re movie nerds, and one of our go-to movies is “The Lorax,” based on the story by Dr. Seuss. In the movie, the Lorax is an orange furry mythical creature who tries to protect a forest full of adorable animals from a character called the Once-ler. Now, the Once-ler is a young man who is full of dreams. He wants to do good things, find success, and make his family proud. At first, he does just that! He has a successful start to his business, and things are looking great. However, in his arrogance, he goes back on his promise not to destroy the forest and begins chopping down trees, all while singing a very catchy song called “How Bad Can I Be?” The Once-ler is so blinded by his ambition that he can’t see the wrong he is doing.

The Once-ler and King Uzziah have a lot in common. He became king at a young age and sought out God’s wisdom to establish his reign. He fought to give his kingdom success, and he made his people proud. He even gained fame beyond his borders for his strength and valor. However, this fame and strength went to his head and corrupted his heart. He became proud and arrogant and dismissed the law. In 2 Chronicles 26:16, we see him enter the temple of God and burn incense on the altar of incense. It was not his right or place, even as a king, to do this. In verse 18, Azariah and eighty of his fellow priests enter the temple and rebuke him for these actions. And yet, Uzziah did not listen and repent. Instead, he was enraged and defiant, so God struck him with leprosy on his forehead. Only then did King Uzziah rush to leave God’s temple.

King Uzziah, much like other kings we have read about, started with great intentions and ambitions. Yet because of his pride, he lived the rest of his life in a separate house infected with leprosy, while his son Jotham took over running his house. Don’t follow the Once-ler and don’t follow King Uzziah. Seek and listen to wisdom.

-Lacey Dunn

Reflection:

• If you’ve never seen it, check out “The Lorax” and see if you think King Uzziah and the Once-ler led a similar life.

• Imagine you are one of the priests confronting King Uzziah. Close your eyes and picture the temple around you and breathe in the scent of incense. How does it feel to confront the king? Do you have the courage to stay and rebuke the king as Azariah did? 

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Fish Food

Jonah 1-4

We all probably know the highlights of the story. Jonah was commanded to go to Nineveh, but thought he could hide from God if he fled to Tarshish. After a storm bombards their ship, Jonah confesses what he has done to his shipmates. They aren’t even followers of God and can’t believe what he has done. Jonah tells them to toss him overboard and eventually, they do and he is swallowed by a great fish sent from God. Jonah repents and is vomited out of the fish in Nineveh. He spreads God’s word and the people of Nineveh listen and repent. Jonah gets mad that God showed Nineveh compassion, gets angry about his plant dying, and begs God for death.

Today, I want to focus on Jonah’s time in the sea and in the whale. As a child, I remember being introduced to the story of Jonah. Thanks to Disney’s “Pinocchio” and its depiction of the inside of the whale, I envisioned Jonah in a vast yet watery cavern of a stomach. I thought it sounded a little fun, honestly. In my mind, he had light, could eat seafood, and just needed to hang out for a few days before his live submarine dropped him off at Nineveh. However, Jonah’s experience was nothing like Pinocchio’s.

In his prayer from the belly of the fish, he recounts his dismay as the seaweed wrapped around his head as he sank to the sea floor. He details being on the brink of death and how, in those seemingly last moments, he desperately calls out to God for help.

We can further imagine what it might have been like for Jonah, thanks to a passage from “Moby Dick” by Herman Melville. In Chapter 9 a character named Father Maple reads this hymn for the crew:

“The ribs and terrors in the whale,

Arched over me a dismal gloom,

While all God’s sun-lit waves rolled by,

And lift me deepening down to doom…..

…In black distress I called my God,

When I could scarce believe him mine,

He bowed his ear to my complaints

No more the whale did me confine….

…I give the glory to my God,

His all the mercy and the power.”

I don’t know what Jonah’s life was like before this event, but I have to imagine that this is the lowest and darkest event that he had experienced. And yet, he cried out to God and God answered. Even though Jonah made a calculated decision to run away from God, God still answered when Jonah called out. Jonah could never truly outrun God or be too damaged for God to care for. God didn’t just listen to Jonah’s cries, he saved him, redeemed him, and entrusted him to still go speak to the people of Nineveh.

In our fast-paced, chaotic lives it can be easy for us to make a calculated decision to run from God and try to hide. Inevitably, we will have a time or times in our lives when we hit rock bottom and feel as though we can see the mountains of the deep rising around us, suffocating us. But don’t lose hope! Just as God still loved Jonah no matter how far he ran, God still loves us. God can break the chains that hold us down in our distress. He offers love, freedom, forgiveness, and a purpose.

If you are feeling low or see someone around you who is struggling, it’s time to cry out to God. God loves you and has a plan for you. Let him comfort you and free you from whatever might be holding you back.

-Lacy Dunn

Reflection:

• Is there anything weighing you down that you feel like you can’t escape? If so, take some time to give your burden to God. Also, talk to a Godly friend or mentor who can help you so you aren’t alone.

• What do you think Jonah looked like and smelled like after arriving in Nineveh via whale vomit? Imagine what you might do if you saw Jonah arrive in your town/city like this. 

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