Tag: daily devotions

God Provides in Times of Testing

Old Testament: Genesis 21 & 22

Poetry: Psalm 8

New Testament: Matthew 8

God had promised Abraham, in Genesis 17:19, “Your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac.  I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.”

At this point, Abraham was over 100 years old, and had faithfully followed God.  In Genesis 12, Abraham obeyed when God told him to leave his country and family.  Abraham allowed Lot to take the lush land around Sodom in Genesis 13, and trusted God to provide for his own flocks and herds on barren mountains.  In Genesis 15, Abraham trusted God’s promise that he would have a son in his old age, and God counted that faith as righteousness.

In Genesis 22:2, we find God commanding Abraham, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love and go to the region of Moriah.  Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.”

This doesn’t make sense.  God had explicitly promised that God’s promises to Abraham would be passed down through Isaac’s descendants, and now God was commanding Abraham to sacrifice him – apparently destroying the promise He had made to Abraham.

By this point, Abraham had developed a very close relationship with God.  In fact, we’re told 3 times in the Bible that Abraham was God’s friend (2 Chron 20:7, Isaiah 41:8, James 2:23) – and as far as I know, Abraham is the only person in the Bible of whom this is said.

We’re told in Hebrews 11:19 that Abraham reasoned that God was able to raise the dead, and that He was going to keep His promise.

So early the next morning, Abraham took Isaac and 2 servants and left for the place God told him to go.  When they got close, Abraham told the servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there.  We will worship and we (emphasis added) will come back to you.”

As they got even closer, Isaac asked his dad, “The fire and wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”

Can you imagine how this must have broken Abraham’s heart, looking down into his son’s questioning face, knowing that in a few minutes he would be killing his beloved son, who would be the offering?  Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb.”  (Actually, God had provided Isaac – as a miracle baby in his parent’s old age.)  When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar, arranged the wood, tied up Isaac, and laid him on the altar.  

As he was getting ready to kill Isaac, the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and stopped him.  Abraham then saw a ram caught in the brush by its horns, and sacrificed it instead.  God then promised Abraham, as recorded in Genesis 22:16-18, “I swear by myself, declared the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore… and through your offspring, all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”

I could point out all the similarities of Abraham’s being willing to sacrifice his son Isaac, and God being willing to sacrifice His Son, Jesus.  I could point out the significance of another quote from this chapter, “Jehovah Jireh – on the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”  (This was the mountain where Soloman’s temple was built hundreds of years later.)  I could point out the importance of obeying God, and the benefits that result.

Instead, I want to comment on who, when, where, how, and why of God’s provision.  

Who:  God tested Abraham with a very difficult test even after a life of serving God.  We see that God provided the ram in this case only after Abraham trusted and obeyed God – even though it didn’t make sense.  Assertion:  God provides for those who trust Him and obey Him.  

When:  God provided for Abraham at the very last minute, not before.  We’re told in Hebrews 4:16 that we will “receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”  Assertion:  God provides precisely when we need something, not when we think we need it.  (i.e.  according to God’s timing.)

Where:  God provided for Abraham only after Abraham went where God told him to go, and after he obeyed everything God told him to do.  Assertion:  God will provide if we are where He wants us to be.  We should have no expectation of receiving God’s provision if we aren’t where He wants us to be. 

How:  God didn’t send an angel from heaven with an offering for Abraham to sacrifice, God provided a normal ram, caught in a normal thicket, by it’s normal horns.  And God didn’t send a whole flock of sheep, just one ram, because that was all that was needed.   Assertion:  God will usually provide in ways that are very natural – don’t look for miracles.

Why:  In times of testing, it’s easy to only think about our problems, and focus on, “why is this happening to me?”  I think there may be two general reasons why trials come.  First, we are told in Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”  Note that this only applies if we are living according to His purpose.  Also note that trials are by definition difficult, and won’t seem to be beneficial at the time.  Second, ultimately, everything is for God’s glory.  Isaiah 43:7 says, “everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory…”  We see an example of this with God destroying Pharaoh and his army for God’s glory in Ex 14:4, 17.  Assertion:  God allows trials and gives provision for our good and for His glory.

The bottom line is, if we are faithfully following God, times of testing will come.  If we remain true to God, if we are where He wants us to be, and if we are obedient to Him, he will provide what we need (not necessarily what we want), at the very last minute, usually through normal means – and this is for our good.  If we aren’t following God, the times of testing may just be to bring Glory to Him.  I’d rather be in that first group.  How about you?

–Steve Mattison

(originally posted January 11, 2021 for SeekGrowLove)

I am sorry this was not posted this morning – I thought it was – and then was surprised to see it still sitting here this evening. We are enjoying a weekend of reFuel North, a youth retreat in northern Indiana and haven’t been on the computer today. 

Reflection Questions

  1. In what times of testing have you seen God provide for you? How?
  2. Are you where God wants you to be now so that He can provide for you?
  3. What do you learn from Abraham in Genesis 21 & 22?

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Treasures and Worry

Old Testament: Genesis 13 & 14

Poetry: Psalm 4

*New Testament: Matthew 6:19-34

Treasures and worry – those two things go hand and hand so often. No matter how much treasure or money one has or doesn’t have it is common to grow anxious about getting more or protecting or hoarding what one already has. And I am guessing it isn’t just a modern problem, as Jesus so wisely blends his teaching on these two topics in the second half of Matthew 6. 

Today’s passage has so much wisdom! Make sure you read it for yourself – even multiple times – it is short. Jesus begins this section (Matthew 6:19-34) by warning about storing up wealth here on earth where all sorts of uncertainty can steal it away in a jiffy (and that was even before the stock market). He asks us to examine what we hold dear, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (6:21). And your heart can’t love and treasure both God and money. You have to choose which you will serve. Which will you go after? Which will you give your life to? 

It is recorded that immediately after saying, “You cannot serve both God and money.” Jesus said, “Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life…” Do you notice the correlation? If you choose to serve money – be prepared for the worry that goes along with that – do you have enough, will it buy what you want, will you look good enough, will it run out, what will you do if or when it does? But, if you choose to be wholeheartedly devoted to serving a great big God and keeping His first things first in your life, the rest of the worries of life practically dissolve as you put your trust in the One who cares for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field and loves you so much more. What comfort and peace comes to replace the worry and striving when we know that God knows what we need and He is the best at providing that and more when we seek Him first. 

Right now, we are half way into an anti-worry/money experiment at our house. About a year and a half ago my husband decided it was a good time to start looking for a new job. I was working hard at giving him my full support. And yet…there was a little cloud of uncertainty as to if this was the right timing – because anyone serving money would be quick to say it didn’t make any sense to change jobs then. At the time his current employer was an educational institution which generously paid out very healthy tuition benefits to the school of choice for our college age kids. It was a pretty good deal we had already benefitted from for several semesters and many college bills. But, we still had two in college and weren’t sure how in the world we would make up all the thousands and thousands of dollars we would not receive for their college bills for the next three years, while also not wanting them to graduate deep in debt. 

The unknown can be hard! Of course we want to provide for our kids and be wise with our finances and sometimes it’s hard to know what that should look like. But while wrestling with this decision: pursue a new job now or wait – a light-bulb moment gave me peace. My light-bulb said, “Marcia, you have been trusting (insert name of husband’s employer) to pay those college bills, but don’t you know that God can be trusted much much more?” And with that came peace, not all the answers of where the money was going to come from – but peace that my God was indeed much bigger than anything or anyone else I could put my trust in – and He knows what I need and He can provide it in ways I never would have thought of. 

So, we are half-way in. We had three years of college bills left and now we have just 1 ½ years. My husband DID start a new job and it has been a great change for us all! He likes his new employer and responsibilities a lot. And, he is able to work from home and my daycare kids and I love that! I have found I also enjoy tutoring and teaching sewing lessons and the people that has brought into my life, which I probably never would have thought to try if I hadn’t been searching for ideas to contribute a little bit more. And those college bills, they are getting paid. We aren’t even always sure how, but the money is there over and over again. Ask me again in 1 ½ years and I am sure I will have even more examples of God’s overwhelming faithfulness. 

Our Father loves to prove Himself true and reliable, but we will never know it and see it and experience it for ourselves if we keep serving and trusting in our man-made treasures and pleasures.

Keep Him first! He is big enough to provide what you need and more and He also knows what you don’t need. Keep your eyes on Him, His righteousness and His Kingdom. You don’t need a fast buck or a larger bank account. You need eternal life and your treasures on earth can’t buy that. Release your worry and grow in your trust in the God who creates, sustains, and makes all things new. 

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. Every life serves something or someone, sometimes self. Who or what are you trying to serve? Are there any instances where you are missing the mark or competing with mixed loyalties or masters? What corrections can you make? Will you? Why or why not?
  2. How has God shown Himself faithful in providing?
  3. How can you focus on God, His Kingdom and His righteousness? If you do that well, will this help you worry less? 

Looking for some more help on overcoming worry (especially over money)? I found very helpful a UPS driver illustration Rick McClain shared in a SeekGrowLove devotion in 2021 and have brought it to mind many times since. You can read it here. 

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To Shine – or Not to Shine?

Old Testament: Genesis 11 & 12

Poetry: Psalm 3

New Testament: Matthew 6:1-18

Remember how we recently read in Matthew 5 to SHINE – “before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matt 5:16). And, then we get to Matthew 6 which begins, “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” (Matt 6:1). One says do your good deeds before men while the other specifically says don’t do your acts of righteousness before men. Is there a contradiction there? I want to follow Jesus, I do – but sometimes…I am not exactly sure what it should look like. But, over and over again I find I am the one that needs to grow in my understanding and action. So, let’s dig a little deeper and see what we’ve got here. 

In our SeekGrowLove Bible reading plan last year we focused on looking at what we can learn about God or what He reveals about Himself every time we read His words. I learned a lot. I had a great year journaling and marking in my Bible margin little asterisks when I read descriptions of God, what He’s like and what He likes, what He is doing and will do. In the gospels it is extra fun to find all the descriptions of God given to us by one who knows Him so well – His Son Jesus. I have found it can be very valuable to read God’s word not as a checklist of do’s and don’ts but as a search for more and more about our Heavenly Father. 

These first 18 verses in Matthew 6 on giving, praying and fasting seems at first to be primarily a lot of direction on what we should be doing – and sometimes what we should not be doing. But, upon looking closer – there are quite a few asterisks in my margins. God, specifically called ‘Your Father’, shows up, again and again. Twice He is referred to as unseen – perhaps in contrast to the Pharisees and religious leaders who enjoyed making themselves very well seen, and perhaps just as a reminder we all need – God is here – don’t be fooled at just concerning yourself with what you can see with your eyes. He is unseen and very real. 

In each of the three sections on giving, prayer and fasting Jesus states, “your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” So, even though He is unseen, He sees. There are no secrets we can keep from God. He sees it all. And when He sees what He likes – giving in secret to the needy, one-on-one prayer with Him, and fasting in secret – he will reward us. He is real, He sees and He rewards, when we do it right. 

So, what is the wrong way to give, pray and fast? They all seem like good deeds to do – should we shine while doing them? Jesus answers that question – give, pray and fast, but don’t do them, “before men to be seen by them.” When we are putting on a holy show to let others know how good we are – that is when God says, “I got nothing for you – you already received your praise from men. You weren’t really looking for My praise anyways. You wanted to look better than the rest. Your pride was lifting yourself up. You weren’t pointing people to a Me. You were just plain showing off and trying to create a name for yourself.” (This was also what the Tower of Babel folks got in trouble for in our Old Testament reading of Genesis 11 today – trying to make a name for themselves). 

So, it becomes another heart issue where motive and manner is extremely important. What is your motivation to give, pray or fast? Do you have selfish reasons and are motivated by looking good? Do you do it in a manner to get the most attention and eyes on you? Just remember, God sees, too, and He ain’t happy. Those acts of righteousness were supposed to come from a pure and sincere heart seeking ways to thank, honor and draw closer to your Father in heaven. But you took that sacred interchange between yourself and Him and cheapened it by broadcasting it before men. 

But what about those good deeds that we ARE supposed to do before men SO THAT God is praised? It seems the “good deeds” category is different and perhaps broader than the “acts of righteousness” we just discussed. While the acts of righteousness were things we do for and with God (and most appropriately in secret), the good deeds are what we can do for and with others. Motive is still really important. No one (least of all, your Father) wants to see your good deeds that are only done to bring praise to yourself. How do we do good deeds that others will see, and when they do see, they will praise our Father in heaven? Perhaps (like always) the best answer and example is seen in Jesus. As we read through the rest of Matthew let’s look for what he does in secret with and for His Father and what he does before men to bring praise to His Father. What are his acts of righteousness and what are his good deeds? Can we tell what his audience and motives are in each? 

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. How are you doing with your acts of righteousness? Do you think God sees and is pleased? What motivates your acts of righteousness – where is your heart? What would you like to do better – for Him? 
  2. In Matthew 6:8 what do we learn about your Father? How is this reassuring to you? How can knowing this affect your prayers? What do you learn from Jesus’ model prayer in verses 9-13?
  3. In Matthew 6:14 & 15 what do we learn about your Father and forgiveness? Why is this so important? Is there someone you need to forgive today?
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Fall and Rise

Old Testament: Genesis 3

Poetry: Psalm 1 (all week)

New Testament: Matthew 3

There are some four-thousand years between the first and second Adam, both the bookends of the fall of man.  Through the first Adam, sin found a foothold in the world.  Through the second Adam, Jesus Christ, the sting of eternal destruction in the second death (Rev. 21:6, Rom 6:23) is broken and restoration that comes from God is complete. Being familiar with scripture and his role as Savior, Jesus knew he was the precious Lamb of God, who upon him was transferred the weight and debt of all our sins.  Jesus would go on to fulfill this role as our purification offering, fulfilling the law and the words of prophets.

In a similar manner, Jesus redefines and completes baptism in Matthew 3.  Although not defined by religious laws in the Old Testament, baptism had become a common practice for sects of Judaism from the time of Malachi to the beginning of the Common Era.  It was performed as a ritual cleansing, done in preparation to ready oneself to make a sacrifice at the temple. This could be done time and time again because of the literal and spiritual uncleanliness that would appear between trips to the Temple. John’s baptism took on this role, specifically for the forgiveness of sins. So why would a sinless Savior need to engage in such a symbol?

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’  Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’ – Matthew 3:13-17

The first reason Jesus is baptized is as simple as he stated, “to fulfill all righteousness.” Baptism is not merely for the forgiveness of sins. It is first and foremost the public dedication of your life to love God, accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, and live for his Kingdom.  To us this means that looking for a pass on sin without submission is not living-saving nor does it accept the grace of God.  Specifically, those who participated in the baptism of John for the forgiveness of sin were told to be rebaptized when they knew this Good News.

The second basis for baptism is the fulfillment of the gracious cleansing we receive by the sacrifice of Jesus. Just like the payment of Christ, baptism is once and for all.  By being fully immersed in water, we demonstrate not only His death, but our own. Likewise, in rising out of the water, we illustrate the cornerstone of our hope, that Jesus has risen from the dead.  Furthermore this illustrates by dying to Him, we are raised to life, asking the raised Christ to live in us as Lord of our life today and being assured of the hope of our own resurrection if we remain faithful. 

Arguably the third purpose for baptism is the invitation of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Jesus is shown this power of God at His baptism, and the Holy Spirit descending onto ministry of miracles.  Baptism, in fullness, is an invitation for the Spirit of God to direct your path (Rom 8:14), bear fruit because of its presence (Gal 5:22-23), and to even comfort in times of hardship or grief. (John 14:26) It is the same power that raised Jesus from the grave that can now live in us. (Rom 8:11)

If you haven’t considered baptism up to this point, what is stopping you from such a confession of faith? Baptism is not the culmination, but the entry point of faith. You do not have to understand the nuances of scripture, only that our Heavenly Father sent His Son into the world to die for your sin, and they are coming back to Earth with eternal life in hand.

If you have already dedicated your life through this public confession, hold close to your heart the promise that is in the symbol.  Time and time again, we trip, stumble, and fall flat on our faces, but with each fall, we are lifted out of the waters of baptism and covered in the grace of God through Jesus Christ.  Thank God we do not have to be reimmersed.  Many of us would spend the vast majority of life underwater. We can confess to Heavenly Father with a repentant heart and the power of baptism in Jesus Christ not only banishes the wages of sin, but gives us the present presence of God for now and for eternity.

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. If you haven’t considered baptism up to this point, what is stopping you from such a confession of faith?
  2. If you are baptized, what does it mean to you?
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Breath of Life

Old Testament: Genesis 2

Poetry: Psalm 1

New Testament: Matthew 2

A little over five months ago, I experienced the scariest moment of my existence. I was awoken by my wife, in a growing panic, informing me that our two-day old newborn had stopped breathing.  I rushed to the desk to get help, and watched helplessly as nurses left our room with our baby who had turned purplish-blue that will be forever imprinted on my psyche.  Later we would be told that since she was born Cesarean, she didn’t get the benefit from a squeeze on her exit that would have expelled the amniotic fluid from her lungs that was now choking her.  Praise be to God, working through the practice of quick-acting nurses, that she again found breath to sustain her life.

“Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” – Genesis 2:7

Adam was born in a far more unique way.  God took a pile of minerals and animated it with his breath.  What was lifeless moments before became the image of the Creator.  Some might say that only Adam or Jesus are the ones that uniquely reflect our God, but Psalm 139 depicts God as a tailor, stitching us together.  Our Heavenly Father is intimate with the fabric that forms our thoughts because he picked it out Himself.  By creating a consciousness with this breath of life we now have the distinction, like Adam and Jesus, that we have a part to play in the purpose of God, and there are no understudies for your role.

You have been handed a script. By having access to the words of God, in some sense, you have life-giving power.  Since scripture is God-breathed (2 Tim 3:16)  it means it brings about the same igniting animation.  Jesus uses the Word of God to fight temptation, perform miracles, fulfill prophecy, and raise people from the dead.  Likewise we are told we can use it for teaching, correcting, training, and rebuking. Knowing His Word allows our life to perform our role now, but also gives us access to the Power of God.

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” – John 20:21-23

Jesus Christ, the Living Water and Word of God, has demonstrated this new form of life.  It is not giving viability to a sandbox, but instead is a life-giving resurrection that brings on a new form not yet seen except by the firstfruits, Christ himself.  We are called to more than a single designed life-giving birth, but to be reborn, given life eternal.  While we cannot enter the womb a second time, the squeeze brought on by the conviction of the Living Word and the Holy Spirit is necessary to purge and refine, readying us for His Kingdom. Like Adam, we too, are made with a Promise to be placed alongside God, so let’s suck less air, and stay committed to filling our lungs and exhalations with His life-giving words.

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. Describe in what ways you have received life-giving breath from God?
  2. What do you think is God’s purpose for you? How are you doing at fulfilling that purpose? 
  3. How can you help pass along the breath of life to one in need of it? What is your life-giving power? 
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Day and Night

Old Testament: Genesis 1

*Poetry: Psalm 1

New Testament: Matthew 1


I am proud to say that I rang in 2024 without a resolution. In fact, I have been resolution-less for the last three years. In a manner of speaking, I have completely given up on goals and I have no innate desire to make my dreams come true. It all sounds a bit melancholy, but follow me for a moment as I explain this change in mindset.  A few years ago, I stumbled across How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big by Scott Adams, the author of the Dilbert comic strip.  In this book, Adams makes the case priorities and their processes have a much greater impact on success versus goal-driven behaviors.  I am not anti-goal or resolution, but when we resolve to make a checklist of accomplishment, no matter how big or small, that is a momentary celebration followed by a lingering aftertaste of, “Now what?”  

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take  or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.” – Psalm 1:1-3

Psalm 1 presents the idea that Delighting in God and meditating on His words are not quantifiable checklist items that earn badges or streaks.  These are the priorities that help develop processes, such as a daily visit to the Seek Grow Love blog, to help us live a more fulfilled life, whether it is star-studded or filled with very few accolades. Day and night, it becomes the rhythm to which we live our lives, alongside the very beating of our heart.  The only reprieve is a temporary status of death.  Any merit or notoriety we hope to achieve as Christians, such as sitting at the right hand of Jesus (Matt 20), is legalistic hoo-ha, and ironically, resolutions that may keep us away from the pursuit of the Kingdom of God.

So what do processes look like that prioritize God, let His word speak, and lead to Living Water throughout 2024 and beyond? One example we have is the contrast of Mary and Martha in Luke 10. We must choose Jesus over the mundane daily grind. This means that when Jesus is speaking the words of God at your house, you stop what you are doing to sit down and listen. There will always be a nagging chore, entertainment, and distractions, but more than Martha, we have an opportunity to invite Jesus every single day into our home.  Don’t be in the next room working, literally or metaphorically, missing this opportunity. 

Another example might be more related to the execution.  As a parent to a couple of toddlers, I have  wryly pondered the question posed by Peter,  “How many times should I forgive brothers (or in my case, children) when they sin against me?”  The answer supplied by Jesus is 490, a number we have well-passed for the same offenses in my house. I think we all understand that this is not a literal number but a commitment to prioritizing love for others over indulgences of self.  Some of us may be asked to forgive more than others, whether in accumulation of trespasses or a single terrible, unspeakable offense, planting ourselves by the banks of Living Water is the way we have access to the infinite, inexhaustible grace of God and still find delight in the hardest of pills to swallow.

Trust the process of prioritizing and meditating on God’s word.  Find less resolution and rid yourself of the rote. Worry less about what you need to accomplish and look for opportunities, day and night, to spend time delighting in the Lord, who is watching over our way. This year, begin to leave the accolades to Him.

“For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.” – Psalm 1:6

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. What benefits do you see in living more of a priorities and processes life than a goals and resolutions life? 
  2. What are your priorities? What processes do you already do to keep your top priorities top? What tweaks or refinements could be helpful in keeping first things first? 
  3. What does it look like to Delight in the Lord? How does one meditate on His law day and night? What does the life look like that does these things? What does the life look like that doesn’t do these things? Where are you? Where do you want to be? How can you get there?
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The New – 2024 Bible Reading Plan – Has Come!

Happy New Reading Plan!

The SeekGrowLove Bible Reading plan is ready for 2024!  Join with us as we read through the Bible in a year – with three readings every day:

Old Testament – 1-3 chapters a day, with the books of the prophets chronologically arranged amongst the books of history (with thanks to Bob Jones for his help setting that up)

Poetry – reading Job through Song of Solomon, usually one chapter a day, but often repeating a Psalm two to seven days in a row to really get to know it more

New Testament – often reading one chapter a day, but sometimes slowing down to read a shorter passage or even one single verse a day (for instance for Jesus’ parables, fruit of the spirit, armor of God, churches of Revelation, etc…)

If you haven’t yet, visit SeekGrowLove.com to find daily devotions and reflection questions based on the Bible readings .  You can also subscribe to receive the daily devotions in your email every morning. 

Looking forward to Seeking God together in 2024!

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New!

Sunday, December 31, 2023, New Years Eve

Theme Week – Celebrating Jesus: Revelation 21

Old Testament: Malachi 3 & 4

Poetry: Psalm 150

            Here we are, the last day of 2023.  We’ve come to the end of the year.  We’ve also come to the end of this eight day focus on the life of Jesus.  We started with the announcement that he was to be born, then his birth announcement, his escape to Egypt, his new beginning in Nazareth, his baptism and testing, his ministry, his death, this resurrection, his ascension to heaven and now we’ve reached the end.  Revelation 21 is a picture of what the future will be after all of the other prophecies surrounding the end of this age and the return of Jesus to reign are completed.    I’m going to insert one passage from 1 Corinthians 15 to help transition us to Revelation 21.

“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-24).

Paul here gives the basic outline: Christ died and became alive again.  When he comes again those who belong to Christ will, in the same way become alive again, never more to die.  Jesus will reign for a time, Revelation 20 says it will be 1000 year or a millennium, and at the end of that time there will be a final judgment and all of the powers which opposed God since the beginning will finally be destroyed, at which time Jesus will hand over the kingdom to God himself who will come and reign over us in person.

Today’s reading in Revelation 21 shows what will happen after Jesus hands over the kingdom to God.  God sets up his kingdom on earth, in what Revelation calls the New Jerusalem (it’s much larger than the present city of Jerusalem).

This brings the Bible full circle.  In Genesis 1-3 when God first created the earth, he came to the Garden of Eden to visit with Adam and Eve in person.  After they sinned and were cast out of the garden, they were separated from God.  They could no longer dwell in the presence of God.  God made provision for his people through various tabernacles and temples that would have a very holy place where the glory of God would come and where a representative of the people, the high priest would come once a year.  But God’s presence was always mediated by other forms- a burning bush, an angel, pillar of fire or pillar of cloud.  Now, in Revelation 21, God is back fully on earth with his people, in an unmediated direct way.  There’s no need for a temple now, for everyone who is there has been made holy by the blood of Jesus which has cleansed them from their sins.  They are immortal and sinless.  There will be no more death or pain or brokenness.  The Lord God announces, “I am making everything new.”

Tomorrow begins a new year, 2024.  My best guess is, not much will change in the world. Yes, you’ll need a new calendar.  People might have a new insurance plan.  But there will still be sickness, there will still be wars, people will still be snarky on social media and the Democrats and Republicans will continue to fight.  And people will still die.  That’s not going to change until Jesus returns and puts a final nail in the coffin of evil in this world.  This passage gives us a hopeful picture of what the world will be like after that happens, when God comes to live with us, when the final enemy of death will be destroyed and God makes all things new.

The world will be the same tomorrow, but you can be made new.  If you put your full faith and trust in Jesus and follow him, he will make you new.    2 Corinthians 5:17 says: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”.  Will you choose to be in Christ, will you be made new?  Happy new year and happy new you!

-Jeff Fletcher

Reflection Questions

  1. How would you describe Revelation 21 to someone who has never read it before? What do you find most exciting about the New Heaven and the New Earth and New Jerusalem? 
  2. Have you chosen to be in Christ? How does life in Christ create a new creation?
  3. Through your Bible reading what have you learned about God and His Son Jesus in 2023? How can what you learned change you? How can you put this knowledge to use in 2024? Who needs to know what you know? Thank God for revealing Himself to you through His holy Scriptures. 

Watch for the NEW 2024 SeekGrowLove Bible reading plan to be revealed later today! 

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Eye-Witnesses and Proof of Life

Theme Week – Celebrating Jesus: Acts 1

Old Testament: Malachi 1 & 2

Poetry: Psalm 149

            Have you ever been a witness and had to testify in court?  I have.  I once witnessed a crime while I was on vacation at the beach.  I was called to come back and testify at the trial.  I didn’t mind, it was a free trip back to the beach.

            There are different kinds of witnesses.  If you ever watch television shows that feature courtrooms like Law and Order or CSI you know that different people are called to witness different things.  You can have a character witness who tells about the defendant as a person.  You can have forensic witnesses to talk about evidence.  Maybe the most important is the eye-witness, who talks about what they saw with their own eyes.  If you get two or three eye-witnesses who testify the same thing, there’s a good chance the defendant will be found guilty.

            In today’s reading from Acts, we get a small glimpse of what Jesus was up to during the first 40 days after he was raised from the dead.  He went around showing his disciples that he was still alive.  Luke, who wrote Acts, says that Jesus gave “many convincing proofs” that he was alive. 

Most of my adult children live a good distance from me, in another state, and one lives in another country.  If I haven’t heard from one of them for a while I will text them and ask for “proof of life” which means- “send me a text, call or Facetime with me so I know you’re doing okay.”  Fun fact: Dads are happier when they can see proof that their kids are okay (even if their kids are in their 20’s and 30’s and have kids of their own.).  A phone call, text, or Facetime is pretty low level proof of life, but I doubt that anyone is kidnapping my kids and doing a deepfake proof of life.  If I can see their face or hear their voice, I’m good. 

For the disciples in the first century, they had proof of life right in front of them.  Jesus was there, in his newly resurrected body, still bearing the scars from his crucifixion.  They were eyewitnesses of the risen Jesus.  But it wasn’t enough for them to just see for themselves that Jesus was risen, he told them that they had an important mission.  They were to be his witnesses.  They were to take the story of his life, teaching and resurrection to the whole world.  And they did.  That is why, 2000 years later there are people all over the world who follow Jesus Christ.

The disciples also witnessed Jesus ascend up from the earth through the clouds to heaven where he now sits at the right hand of God.  As they were eyewitnesses to Jesus ascending, they also witnessed the angels who assured them that Jesus would return in the same way that he left, visibly, in the clouds.  For 2000 years the church has kept alive this testimony from the eyewitnesses: Jesus died on the cross for our sins, God raised Jesus from the dead and many people saw him in his risen body, Jesus ascended to heaven and we heard the promise that he would one day return in the same way.  Each generation of Jesus’ followers have kept this message alive and spread it.  Now you have received it, it’s up to you and your generation to continue keeping this eye witness testimony alive, until Jesus returns.

-Jeff Fletcher

Reflection Questions

  1. If you were called up as a character witness for Jesus how would you describe him? What do you know about Jesus as a person? 
  2. If you were called up as a forensic witness testifying to the evidence of Jesus what would you say? What convincing proofs do you have that Jesus is alive?
  3. If you were called up as an eye-witness for what Jesus has done for you what would you say? How is your life different because of Jesus?
  4. Who needs to know what you know about Jesus, about the evidence surrounding his life, death, resurrection, ascension and coming return, and about how you have experienced Jesus and what he has done for you? How will you share? 
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The Day We Have All Been Waiting For

Old Testament: Zechariah 5 & 6

Poetry: Psalm 144

New Testament: Luke 2

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

            It’s Christmas Day!  The day we have all been waiting for.  Unless you’re really, really good, you likely will have already gotten up, peeked in your stocking and maybe opened gifts with your family.  You may have even eaten a large meal.  Maybe now you’re taking a few minutes to check your email and give some attention to your devotions for the day.  Whether you’re reading this at 8 a.m. or 8 p.m., it’s still Christmas Day.  A day you’ve been waiting for.  Christmas comes every year so at most, you’ve had to wait 364 days for Christmas. 

            The people of Israel had to wait hundreds of years for the first Christmas.  From the time King David was first promised that his son would be the Messiah and would reign forever, it had been many generations.  Now that day had finally come.  Normally, when a royal birth happens, especially a future King, it’s a pretty big deal.  There are grand proclamations that come from out of important palaces in important cities.  The whole community might stand outside the walls of the royal palace to hear the great news officially announced.  But this first Christmas announcement was quite different.  It wasn’t in the city of Jerusalem outside the palace walls, it was in the fields of rural Bethlehem.  The audience wasn’t the whole city gathered, it was a few sleepy shepherds in the middle of the night making sure their sheep were safe from predators.  The one making the announcement wasn’t the royal page or member of the court of Jerusalem, it was an angelic messenger of God.

            News of the Messiah’s birth went largely unnoticed for many years.  It would take several announcements from God “a voice from heaven saying, this is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased.”  Eventually, his few disciples understood that he was the Messiah.  What finally sold many people was his death and resurrection.  The Bible says that one day “every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord” (Messiah/king).  On this Christmas Day, let us be sure that we not only hear and believe the Good News that at long last the promised Messiah was born in a manger in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago, but that he died for our sins and God raised him up from death and clothed him in immortality, he has ascended to the side of God and will come again to reign over all.  One day every knee will bow, but for today, be sure that you are bowing and giving your allegiance to King Jesus, and be sure to share this news with everyone you know. 

Merry Christmas!

-Jeff Fletcher

Reflection Questions

  1. How was God’s plan for a Messiah different from what many people expected? What do you love about how God brought about His plan for a Messiah? What does His plan reveal about Him? 
  2. Does your holiday festivities show that you are celebrating that Jesus is Lord? How are you bowing before him and confessing that he is Lord – yesterday, today and tomorrow?
  3. How can you share the good news of great joy? Who needs to hear it?
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