Tag: daily devotions

Yours Truly…Nebuchadnezzar?

OLD TESTAMENT: Daniel 4

POETRY: Psalm 136

NEW TESTAMENT: John 8:31-47

Daniel is a strange book. It contains narratives like we have been reading over the last couple days. It contains visions that we will read in a few days. Today, however, we are treated to a very different kind of tale. It seems that the author of Daniel decided to insert someone else’s writing into his book. 

In chapter four, King Nebuchadnezzar himself writes about his encounter with the Almighty God. He extols God’s power, God’s virtue, his work through the interpretation of Daniel/Belteshazzar, his giving Nebuchadnezzar madness, and him undoing the madness after Nebuchadnezzar had learned his lesson. 

Now, if you are a regular reader of the Bible, you might think this makes perfect sense. God shows up and changes the lives of people, and it happens to King Nebuchadnezzar. If you are a new reader, you may think, “this is crazy nonsense who can believe it?” I am about to make both camps a little uncomfortable with some history and archaeology: In ancient Babylon, there is a prayer written by a king that reads this way : I “was afflicted [with an evil ulcer] for seven years, and far from [men] I [was driven, until I prayed to the most high God.] And an exorcist pardoned my sins. He was a Jew from [among the children of the exile of Judah, and said:] “Recount this in writing to glorify and exalt the name of [the most high God.”Then I wrote this:] “When I was afflicted for seven years [by the most high God] with an evil ulcer during my stay at Tayma, I prayed [to] the gods of silver and gold, [bronze and iron,] wood, stone and lime, because [I thought and considered] them gods […]”

That last ellipses (the “…”) shows that the rest of the prayer is lost. So nice and easy, case closed right? That sounds very similar to Nebuchadnezzar’s experience, so we have confirmation of the biblical story. It might be, if we hadn’t left off the first few lines. “Words of the prayer, said by Nabonidus, king of Babylonia, [the great] king, [when afflicted] with an ulcer on command of the most high God in Tayma: [“I, Nabonidus,] was afflicted…”

The similarities are striking, of course: afflicted for seven years/times, driven far from people, a Jew from the children of Judah, an exorcist, pardoned his sins and told him to praise the Most High God. But the differences are also clearly apparent: Nabonidus vs. Nebuchadnezzar, an ulcer vs. mental illness, warned of judgement as opposed healed to give glory, and the words of Nabonidus about the types of God are connected to Daniel 5, so bringing in Belshazzar and more questions. 

The Bible, the history of the Bible, and the relationship between the Bible and history are not *simple* questions. There are those who would deny the Bible’s truth based on the prayer of Nabonidus, but there is also reason to believe that the prayer of Nabonidus was written to explain the connection between Daniel 4 and Daniel 5, or maybe both are true accounts with God judging multiple kings of Babylon with seven years/times of judgement. The same kind of questions come up when we think about the anointing of Jesus with oil. Everyone agrees it was an extravagant act of love with costly oil. But was it in Bethany or not? Was it Mary, or a sinful woman? Was the woman being shown love by being forgiven, or was she anointing the body for burial? Did it only happen once, or were there two anointings of Jesus? (It would be weird for it to happen twice.)

This is the part of the devotion where you may expect me to clear up the confusion and say “here is the answer to all your questions.” I am not going to do that. I am going to instead give you four helpful ways to think about the Bible. The Bible is inspired, authoritative, true, and livable. 

  1. The Bible is inspired: Daniel 4 and the anointing(s) of Jesus and everything from Genesis to Revelation is inspired by God for the education, edification, encouragement, and empowerment of his people. The Bible is not just the nice thoughts of noble men and women, but God’s thoughts for God’s people. 
  2. The Bible is authoritative: Because the Bible is God’s word to humans, when the Bible tells God’s people how to live, then that is how we must live. If we are called to pick up our cross daily, if we are called to feed the hungry and clothe the naked, if we are called to live like Jesus (and we are!), then that is what we must do!
  3. The Bible is true: Because the Bible is God’s word to humans, then the Bible is not intending to deceive. Everything in the Bible is intending to lead us to the God of truth. Not everything will be literal (trees don’t have hands, a multiheaded monster won’t come out of the Atlantic) but everything will be true (nature will praise God, there are evil forces that work against God’s goodness). When we understand genre of books and individual stories, we will be able to know whether a story is literally true or figuratively true. 
  4. The Bible is understandable in order to be livable: The Bible TAKES time to understand, and it is deep. Yet, in the essential elements, the Bible is simple. The Bible is like a holiday at sea; children can begin by playing in the shallows, but experienced swimmers can go to depth where their feet do not touch the ground. You can be a new Christian and gain insight, knowledge, and joy from scripture. And when you are ready to go deeper into the Bible, into faith, there is always greater depth to be discovered. 

The author of Daniel 4 was inspired to write about the dream of Nebuchadnezzar and the judgment he faced as the King. It could be true even if the name “Nebuchadnezzar” is used in place of Nabonidus; but I think it makes more sense to see the Prayer of Nabonidus as responding to the book of  Daniel rather than vice versa. BUT, the bigger point than these minor historical notes is that we are called to be humble and praise God for his just and righteous ways. There is no need for us to get archeological degrees and engage in fancy philosophy to recognize that God is bigger than we are, and that we are called to praise and worship him. 

May we all do that together today. 

Questions:

  1. Would you describe the Bible as inspired, authoritative, true, and livable? Do you disagree with any or would you add in any? For example, you might say “the Bible is literally true”, but what do you do with the psalms? You might say “the Bible is simple”, but then what do we do about Revelation and Daniel?
  2. Do you find yourself drawn to disregard the Bible as superstition when archeology or science sounds like they disagree with the Bible? Or do you disregard archeology and science when it sounds like they disagree with the Bible? How can we see that God is the God of all truth, and that truth has nothing to fear?
  3. If you find yourself having a hard time trusting the Bible, or explaining why you trust it, I would encourage you to check out *The Disciple Collective* at https://www.disciplecollective.com/home. This online Christian learning platform offers high-quality self-paced courses for motivated students, and the first course, which is available now, is “Can I trust the Bible?” If you feel like you are leaving today’s devotion with some serious questions, that course may give you some serious, robust answers.

-Jake Ballard

sglcalendar2024Download

Blessings

OLD TESTAMENT: Ezekiel 31-32

POETRY: Psalm 128

NEW TESTAMENT: John 3:22-36

Psalm 128

A song of ascents.

1 

Blessed are all who fear the Lord,
    who walk in obedience to him.

2 

You will eat the fruit of your labor;
    blessings and prosperity will be yours.

3 

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
    within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
    around your table.

4 

Yes, this will be the blessing
    for the man who fears the Lord.

5 

May the Lord bless you from Zion;
    may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
    all the days of your life.

6 

May you live to see your children’s children—
    peace be on Israel.

Today is a special day.  It’s the birthday of my oldest grandchild, Scarlett.  All of my grandchildren are precious and I love them all dearly.  I can’t believe how blessed I am to have so many who call me Grandpa or Poppa or Poppy.  Scarlett is the first to make me a grandparent.  Psalm 128 names being able to see your children’s children a special blessing.

Reading this Psalm again touches me deeply and reminds me not to take things for granted like enjoying the fruit of your labor.  Not everyone does enjoy the fruit of their labor due to war, disaster, or disease.  We should not take the blessings we receive in life for granted.  Life does not always go how we planned or wished.  Not every man is blessed with a fruitful vine with a table surrounded by olive shoots.  Not every parent is blessed to live long enough to enjoy their grandchildren.  I’m currently battling some pretty serious diseases.  One of my motivators to be healed is to enjoy my family… and honestly, I’d like to meet not only my grandchildren but also my great grandchildren in a few years.

I also want to see the prosperity of Jerusalem and peace in Jerusalem.  That will happen when King Jesus returns.  I’d like to be around to see that too.  But if I should close my eyes in the sleep of death, I will see Jesus, and I hope my family, my church, and my friends at the first resurrection.

The blessings that await us at the coming of Jesus will be awesome. I want to see you there too.  Don’t overlook both the promises or warnings in John 3:36 “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” Don’t miss out on the blessings that come through Jesus. May God bless you.

Pastor Jeff Fletcher

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the blessings you have already seen? Thank God for them
  2. What are the blessings you still hope to see before Jesus returns or you sleep in death?
  3. What does Jesus’ return mean to you?
  4. What is your greatest hope for the future? What do you need to do today to increase your chances of taking part in that future?
sglcalendar2024Download

Rejoice in the God of Your Salvation

OLD TESTAMENT: Habakkuk 3

POETRY: Psalm 119:161-168

NEW TESTAMENT: Revelation 14

Habakkuk 3:17-19 (LEB):

“Though the fig tree does not blossom,

nor fruit be on the vines,

the produce of the olive fail

and the fields yield no food,

the flock be cut off from the fold

and there be no herd in the stalls,

yet I will rejoice in Yahweh;

I will take joy in the God of my salvation.

Yahweh, my Lord, is my strength;

he makes my feet like the deer’s;

he makes me tread on my high places.”

Psalm 119:161-168 (LEB):

“Princes persecute me without cause,

but my heart stands in awe of your words.

I rejoice at your word

like one who finds great spoil.

I hate and abhor falsehood,

but I love your law.

Seven times a day I praise you

for your righteous rules.

Great peace have those who love your law;

nothing causes them to stumble.

I hope for your salvation, O Yahweh,

and I do your commandments.

My soul keeps your testimonies;

I love them exceedingly.

I keep your precepts and testimonies,

for all my ways are before you.”

Revelation 14:1-3 (LEB):

“Then I looked, and behold, the Lamb was standing on Mount Zion,

and with him were one hundred forty-four thousand who had his name

and the name of his Father written on their foreheads.

And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters

and like the sound of loud thunder.

The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps,

and they were singing a new song before the throne

and before the four living creatures and before the elders.

No one could learn that song except the one hundred forty-four thousand

who had been redeemed from the earth.”

Habakkuk concludes his book with a powerful declaration of faith, despite the dire circumstances he outlines. He paints a vivid picture of loss and despair: the fig tree not blossoming, the fields yielding no food, and the flock cut off from the fold. Yet, even in the bleakest of situations, Habakkuk chooses to rejoice in Yahweh. This radical joy is rooted not in external circumstances but in the unchanging nature of God.

This passage challenges us to examine our own responses to adversity. Are we quick to rejoice in the Lord even when life is hard? Habakkuk’s resolve reminds us that true joy comes from our relationship with God. When we focus on who God is—our strength, our salvation—our hearts can remain anchored in hope, regardless of our circumstances.

The psalmist expresses a profound reverence for God’s word, even amidst persecution. Despite the challenges posed by those in authority, the psalmist finds joy and peace in God’s law. His love for God’s commandments fuels his praise and steadfastness.

This passage underscores the power of God’s word to provide stability and comfort during turbulent times. The psalmist’s commitment to praise God seven times a day illustrates the importance of a continuous relationship with Him. By immersing ourselves in scripture and seeking God’s guidance, we cultivate peace in our hearts. In doing so, we can stand firm against the chaos of the world around us.

In Revelation 14, we witness a scene of triumph and celebration in heaven. The Lamb stands on Mount Zion, surrounded by the redeemed, signifying victory over sin and death. The new song sung by the one hundred forty-four thousand is a testament to their redemption and unwavering faithfulness to God. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the ultimate hope we have in Christ.

As believers, we are called to anticipate this glorious day when we will stand with the Lamb, rejoicing in his victory. The new song symbolizes the joy and gratitude we will express for our salvation. While we may face trials and tribulations on earth, this passage encourages us to keep our eyes fixed on the promise of eternal life with Christ.

-Jeff Ransom

Reflection Questions:

In what areas of your life are you struggling to rejoice in the Lord? How can you shift your focus from circumstances to God’s character?

How can you cultivate a deeper love for God’s word in your daily routine? What specific actions can you take to incorporate scripture into your life?

Reflect on the ultimate hope found in Revelation 14. How does the promise of redemption encourage you in your faith journey?

Consider the significance of singing a new song in your life. What is your personal testimony of God’s faithfulness that you can share with others?

sglcalendar2024Download

Contemplation – Take it to Heart

OLD TESTAMENT: Jeremiah 24-26

POETRY: Psalm 119:17-24

NEW TESTAMENT: Revelation 1

Revelation is a tricky book. I will admit that I struggle with it, as I’m sure others do. When meditating on this passage I actually sat down and tried to put myself in John’s place. He is receiving one intense vision, full of important messages, all of which he might not fully comprehend in his time. 

This devotion is less of a devotion today and more of an invitation to join me in a practice of contemplation. 

John introduces himself and tells the reader what he is writing and why he’s writing it. And the first part of this great message is actually a collection of letters to the seven great churches of the time. 

Now these letters are laid out in chapters 2 and 3. However, I’m not actually going into those so I feel like I’m within my realm of Revelation 1 for this little exercise! 

Join me, if you will, in constructing a letter to yourself and/or your church, written by Christ. This can be either written or mental. This devotion will primarily be reflection questions to give you some things to contemplate. 

Reflection: 

Take a few minutes with each of these questions to pray and evaluate: 

Christ, seated at God’s side, knows your deeds. In looking at your current habits and practices, what does he lift up? What is he pleased with? Pray over these things and ask God to continue to help you to grow. Thank him for allowing you the circumstances that allow you to minister and please him. Thank him for the blessings he has given you. 

What about in your church body? What does your church do well in God’s eyes? Pray over your church family now, thanking God for individuals that serve alongside you in the church body. Thank God for the blessings he has given your church family. 

Now, what practices in your life are not pleasing? What do you struggle to turn away from? How would Christ address those? How would he advise you to take action? Pray over these, and ask for strength and guidance in those areas. Pray for mercy and forgiveness. 

Are there practices within your home church that Christ would not be pleased with? Are there attitudes that need changing? Does your own attitude need adjustment? How would Jesus address your church in this regard? How would he encourage you to correct these behaviors and thoughts? Pray now over your church family. Pray for forgiveness and mercy. Pray that God will show you a way in which you can help be a positive force of change in your church body. 

Dear father, I’m so thankful for my fellow believers in churches all over the world. I pray that we would be pleasing to you. I pray that we are able to seek out what we are doing wrong and right ourselves. Please show us the way and also show us great mercy. Thank you for the sacrifice that was made so that we could one day see Christ’s return and see your kingdom established forever here on a perfect earth. Grant us all guidance and strength until we see that great day. In your son’s name I pray, Amen.    – Jenn Haynes

sglcalendar2024Download

Tremble!

OLD TESTAMENT: Isaiah 65 & 66

POETRY: Psalm 114

NEW TESTAMENT: 1 Peter 3

Isaiah 65:17-18 (LEB):

“For look! I am about to create new heavens and a new earth,

and the former things shall not be remembered,

and they shall not come to mind.

But rejoice and shout in exultation forever and ever

over what I am about to create!

For look! I am about to create Jerusalem as a source of joy,

and her people as a source of gladness.”

Isaiah 66:2 (LEB):

“For my hand made all these things,

and all these came to be,” declares Yahweh.

“But I look to this one: to the humble and the contrite in spirit,

and the one who trembles at my word.”

Psalm 114:7-8 (LEB):

“Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,

at the presence of the God of Jacob,

who turns the rock into a pool of water,

the flint into a fountain of water.”

1 Peter 3:8-9 (LEB):

“Finally, all of you be like-minded, sympathetic,

showing mutual love, compassionate, humble,

not repaying evil for evil or insult for insult,

but on the contrary blessing others,

because for this reason you were called,

so that you could inherit a blessing.”

In Isaiah 65, God speaks of a future where He will create new heavens and a new earth, where the pain and sorrow of the former world will be forgotten. This promise is not only a vision of a restored creation but a source of deep joy for God’s people. Jerusalem, once marked by suffering and loss, will become a place of gladness, and its people will experience the fullness of God’s grace and redemption.

As we move into Isaiah 66, the prophet emphasizes the kind of people God looks to in this time of renewal: those who are humble, contrite in spirit, and who tremble at His word. This passage reminds us that God’s renewal is not just about external transformation but also about the transformation of the heart. God values a spirit that is humble and reverent before Him, acknowledging His greatness and responding in obedience to His word.

Psalm 114 recounts the mighty works of God during the Exodus, as He led Israel out of Egypt and through the Red Sea. The psalm paints a vivid picture of the earth trembling at God’s presence. The seas part, the mountains skip, and rocks turn into pools of water. This psalm highlights the awe-inspiring power of God over all creation, reminding us of His authority to transform not only nature but also our lives.

As the earth trembles at God’s presence, we are called to approach Him with reverence. Just as He turned the hard rock into flowing water, God can bring life and renewal to the hardest and most barren areas of our lives. In times of dryness or difficulty, we can trust in God’s power to transform our circumstances and bring about new life.

1 Peter 3 encourages believers to live in harmony with one another, showing compassion, humility, and love. Peter calls us to be sympathetic and humble, responding to evil and insult not with retaliation but with blessing. This instruction reflects the heart of Jesus’ teachings on loving our enemies and blessing those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). As followers of Christ, we are called to embody a radical love that seeks peace and extends grace, even in the face of opposition.

Peter’s reminder that we are called to inherit a blessing is significant. As we bless others, we align ourselves with the heart of God, who has blessed us richly through Christ. Our identity as recipients of God’s mercy and grace empowers us to live in ways that reflect His love to the world.

This week, meditate on the renewal God promises in Isaiah, the power He displays in Psalm 114, and the call to humble, compassionate living in 1 Peter. Let these truths remind you of God’s ability to transform both your life and the world around you, as you seek to live in harmony with others and bless them in Christ’s name.

-Jeff Ransom

Reflection Questions:

How does the promise of a new heaven and new earth in Isaiah 65 inspire hope in your daily life, especially in the midst of challenges or sorrow?

What does it mean to you to have a “humble and contrite spirit” before God, as described in Isaiah 66? How can you cultivate this posture in your relationship with Him?

Reflect on the power of God over creation as seen in Psalm 114. How can you trust in His transforming power in areas of your life that feel difficult or barren?

In what ways can you embody the compassionate and humble living described in 1 Peter 3? How can you actively bless others, even when faced with opposition or insult?

sglcalendar2024Download

Able to Save Completely

OLD TESTAMENT: Isaiah 19-21

POETRY: Song of Songs 1

NEW TESTAMENT: Hebrews 7

The whole point of the letter to the Hebrews, it seems, was to show them how much better Jesus and the New Covenant were than anyone, or anything, that God used or worked through to fulfill his plan of salvation in the past. I think the writer is doing this because the Hebrews needed to hear it. In chapters 5 and 6, they were just scolded because they had become poor listeners, in need of milk like infants, instead of solid food.

I have a hunch that meant that they had heard the gospel, took it to heart, maybe applied it for a time when they were still excited about it, then slumped back into their old ways over time. They didn’t train themselves in it to distinguish between good and evil for the sake of endurance. I think they were getting sluggish and therefore falling back into their old habits/ways of life, because it’s so much easier to continue what you are used to, especially if there’s persecution for doing it God’s way. For them, their old habits were those pertaining to the law of Moses.

It’s hard for me to be too harsh however, as we’ll soon read about what they had already endured for the gospel’s sake (e.g., having their homes taken away and enduring it with joy). If people like that were in need of some rebuke and encouragement, I can only imagine what I need.

To make the point (about Jesus being better) in chapter 7, the writer applies these “better” characteristics and principles of Melchizedek to Jesus and the New Covenant, to help explain why Jesus’s priesthood in the New Covenant is far superior to the Levitical priesthood under the Old Covenant.

The writer is quick to point out that Melchizedek’s name means something that can easily be applied to, and understood of, Jesus. Melchizedek means “King of Righteousness” and he’s the king over Salem (now Jerusalem). That makes him the righteous king over the land of peace. That can easily be applied to Jesus (but he’s better). Jesus is THE king of righteousness (always doing his father’s will). He is not only going to rule over the land of peace from his father David’s throne, in Jerusalem, he’ll rule the entire world from there in peace in the kingdom age.  

Oh, and the Levitical priests served Melchizedek, so Melchizedek’s priesthood is the better priesthood (and Jesus is a priest after his order, so he’s better yet). The Levitical priests paid Melchizedek a tithe because Levi was in the loins of his father Abraham when Abraham paid it (I’ve come to expect the writers of the New Testament to talk like this; we all should). The point is—the one after Melchizedek’s priesthood is far superior to the priests after the Levitical priesthood the infant acting Hebrews were following.

Like Melchizedek’s priesthood, Jesus’s priesthood was made by God (after his exaltation). He was chosen, or made perfect by God, because he fulfilled his role in his father’s plan of salvation through his suffering. That’s much better than obtaining the priesthood based on genealogy like the Levitical priesthood.

Better still, God swore an oath, that if another priest should arise after the order of Melchizedek, his priesthood would never die. That oath is fulfilled in Jesus, by the power of an indestructible life. That means that he always lives to make intercession for those who come to God through him. He’s always available to save someone. That’s much better than being after the order of Aaron, where there’s continuous turnover as each predecessor dies. And they can’t save.  

It seems like the writer to the Hebrews had some pretty profound words to share with them to get them out of their sluggish state of life. Thankfully, we have a great high priest to help us out of our sluggish state of life too. He set up a system where brothers and sisters in the body exhort each other to do good works and discipline each other when we are falling short (by training each other to distinguish between good and evil). If you’ve become sluggish, consider how great a high priest you’ve got, and get going by following him. Train yourselves as a body, with Christ as your head, to distinguish between good and evil, and then do good.   

-Juliet Taylor

Reflection Questions

1. New Testament writers often apply characteristics of people or things from the Old Testament to the New to help in their apologetics. One of these examples is that of Melchizedek. Some have interpreted that Jesus is Melchizedek incarnate. It’s nonsense, but unfortunately, we’re reading someone else’s mail over 2,000 years after it was written. We’re going to lack in some understanding as they would have understood things 2,000 + years ago. What is something you notice in this chapter that needs a little more exploration in understanding?

2. Jesus’s priesthood was made perfect by God, the Levitical priesthood was not. Perfection for a priest came after the sinless man Jesus chose to suffer and die for us, always being faithful to God’s will. Levitical priests were made priests because of their genealogy. What do you think perfection means in this chapter?

3. Hebrews 7:25 says, “Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” What do you think this means?

sglcalendar2024Download

What are you looking towards?

OLD TESTAMENT: Isaiah 16-18

POETRY: Psalm 106

NEW TESTAMENT: Hebrews 6

One of the most memorable sermon illustrations that I’ve heard is about someone who is driving a car. If their eyes are on the road, they can direct the car wherever they choose (as long as the road and traffic patterns allow). But, how often have we been driving and our eyes drift from the road to something else? Maybe it’s something on the side of the road or a passenger in the back asking a question. Maybe we need to grab something from our purse or check our phone (even though that’s illegal in most states). 

In a split second, we can go from being on the right path to being in a ditch on the side of the road. This is why the push against texting and driving is so strong. We may choose to ignore the facts, but in 2022 alone, over 3,000 people died just from texting while driving. This is because “Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.”

When you take your eyes off the road, you begin to veer off course. This can lead to destruction and harm. 

This is true literally when we are driving a car, but it is also spiritually true when we are thinking about our walk with God. The Bible often speaks of where our eyes are fixed to describe the spiritual health of our hearts. If our eyes are turned to God, we will be walking towards him. But, all too often, our eyes get focused on other things – jobs, pleasures, stresses, idols – and when this happens, we begin to veer off course. 

Isaiah 17:7-8 says, “In that day people will look to their Maker and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel. They will not look to the altars, the work of their hands, and they will have no regard for the Asherah poles and the incense altars their fingers have made.”

At the time, Israel had their gaze fixed off-course. They had turned towards idols, with their Asherah poles and incense altars. That focus led their hearts away from God and ultimately ended in destruction. They were headed towards a spiritual crash. 

God spoke off a day in the future when the Israelites course would be righted. Instead of turning to their false gods, they would look to their creator God. They would be headed on the right and good path. 

When this happens, the ultimate destination is one that is filled with hope for the good things of God. Isaiah 16:4-5 describes, “The oppressor will come to an end, and destruction will cease; the aggressor will vanish from the land. 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.”

We know that this is our hope too. We have a glorious hope in the kingdom, when Jesus is seated on the throne. There will be justice, righteousness, love, and faithfulness. We wait for that day. We long for it. 

So where are your eyes fixed? Are they fixed on idols, pleasures, or cares of this world? Or are they turned towards your Maker? 

-Cayce Fletcher

Cayce Fletcher is a teacher-turned-SAHM mom of two. She blogs and podcasts at A More Beautiful Life Collective where she focuses on how you can create a life you love and cultivate your heart for God. Currently, she is working through a systematic theology series on her podcast. You can find her latest post on Bibliology here. 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

  1. What are some of the things that lead to ‘distracted driving’ in your spiritual walk? How do your eyes get taken off of God? 
  2. Where are you currently looking now? Are you looking to God? Or somewhere else? 
  3. How does Jesus fulfill the prophecy in Isaiah 16:4-5? How does this fill you with hope for the future?
sglcalendar2024Download

From Everlasting to Everlasting

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 25-26

Poetry: Psalm 103 (day 4)

New Testament: 2 Timothy 4

Welcome to the 4th day of questions on Psalm 103. Yesterday we focused our questions on verses 11-14, looking at God’s love, forgiveness, and compassion as well as the incredible facts that, “he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.” (Psalm 103:14). This verse says so much about God – and about man. The next couple verses continue on the topic of mankind.

VERSE 15 – Why do you think David compared man’s days to grass – what are the similarities? If you compared yourself to a flower of the field which kind of flower in what field would you be most like? Why? What might make the flower flourish? What else could have David compared man to? What ideas about mankind was David using poetry to explain? How might a scientist or a psychologist have explained these same ideas?

VERSE 16 – What happens to the flourishing flower of verse 15 in verse 16? What does David say caused this to happen? What do you think the wind symbolizes? What do you think of when you think of a flourishing flower suddenly gone? What emotions come with these thoughts? What do you feel when you read the second line of verse 16? What truths are David expressing in a poetic form?

VERSE 17 – What do the words, “But from everlasting to everlasting…” mean? What changes as we go from verse 16 to 17? How is God different from mankind? Is the Lord’s love for one generation more so than another? In what other verses in Psalm 103 have we seen a similar thought as we see in the first half of verse 17? What would it look like for God’s righteousness to be with your grandchildren? Will His righteousness be with ALL grandchildren? If not, then with whose? Do you fear the Lord? (Interestingly, this concept of fearing the Lord – and instructing others to do the same – came up in our Old Testament reading for the day as well. Did you find it in 2 Chronicles 26? How were similar ideas shared in the New Testament reading of 2 Timothy 4?) Do people just automatically know how to fear the Lord? What happens if it is not taught? If you do fear the Lord, who do you know that you want to see also fearing the Lord?

VERSE 18 – Who is verse 18 referring to? Who do you picture as part of this group? Are you included? What do they do? What will they receive (see verse 17)? What is a covenant? Do you have a covenant with the Lord God? If so, what does it say you will do? What does it say God will do? What are precepts? How is your memory? Do you remember to obey his precepts? When did you recently forget to obey and which precept did it involve? How can you work on further developing your memory so as not to forget God’s laws? What else is needed to stand firm against temptation?

What did you take away from these 4 verses? How will you live today because of them? Who will you share these truths with?

-Marcia Railton

sglcalendar2024Download

Give Credit

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 15 & 16

Poetry: Psalm 96

New Testament: 2 Thessalonians 3

Have you ever heard of the saying, “Give credit where credit is due?”  It is thought the expression was coined by Samuel Adams in a letter dated Oct. 29th, 1777!  That was quite a while ago!  Now, almost two and a half centuries later, “giving credit” has become a whole new ballgame.

Today’s generation has always had easy internet access.  And with that access, has been seemingly limitless information. But, can a person easily find the original source of an idea, trend, or promoted “fact” on social media platforms, where it can be shared multiple times and morph into a whole different idea or supposed “truth”? 

According to a recent survey, only 8% of students always give credit to original creators, 35% of students sometimes do, while 30% never give credit to original trendsetters.  (And who knows if this survey is correct—I found it on the internet!)

The Bible tells us there is only One who is due credit for all the world around us, the beauty, and majesty of His Creation. 

“Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations,
    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
    bring an offering and come into his courts.
9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness;
    tremble before him, all the earth.”  Psalm 96: 7-9

Ascribe is an interesting word.  It means acknowledge, attribute, or GIVE CREDIT.  All of the earth trembles before Him as all people consider His mighty strength and unmatched splendor. 

Our praise leads to this acknowledgement of God’s greatness.  In verses 1-3 we are told to sing, proclaim, and tell about His salvation, glory and wonderful deeds. 

As our outward praise is heard and shared, it leads to an inward attitude of worship, basking in the Lord’s presence.  We adore God for who He is.

Not just His people, but ALL of His Creation sings God’s praises.  In verses 11-13, we see this. Have you walked along an ocean beach and HEARD the water’s roar? Have you gazed upon a field of Texas bluebells, multi-colored tulips, or bright yellow sunflowers, their BEAUTY GLORIFYING God’s presence?  Have you wandered through a forest of pine trees, and HEARD their joyful song in the breeze? If you have done one or more of these things, lift up your praise in harmony to Creation’s melodies. 

Acknowledge His presence in your every waking moment.  Savor His warmth and love.  Live a life of worship each day.  Give credit—ALL CREDIT—where credit is due—to the Lord God Almighty. 

-Paula Kirkpatrick

Reflection Questions

  1.  Do you dwell in God’s presence each day?  How better could you do that?
  2. Are praise and thanksgiving a regular part of your prayer life?
sglcalendar2024Download

For the Majestic God

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 5 & 6

Poetry: Psalm 93 (and/or 92)

New Testament: 1 Thessalonians 3

“The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty” Psalm 93:1a

We have a great and majestic God. The Psalm from today’s reading is short and straight to the point: God reigns forever. He reigns over the world and our lives. Chaos may seem to have a tight hold on the world today, but ultimately God still reigns and His plan for the future Kingdom will unfold. What is the attitude that we have as we await the kingdom?

Do you recognize the work of God in your own life? It’s easy to fall into a mundane routine of our lives, living each day the same and simply going with the flow of life. In these moments of routine, we are likely to miss God’s mighty hand working within our lives. When life is peaceful and easy, we tend to forget to lift our eyes to God in praise and thanksgiving. 

A family favorite film in my household growing up was the movie Miracle. This movie tells the true story of the U.S. hockey team that participated in the 1980 winter Olympics. It was a ragtag team of college students who didn’t always get along with one another and some of them weren’t the most talented hockey players that the coach could have chosen for his team. The movie recounts the events of Team USA being demolished by the Russia hockey team, who were known as the best hockey team in the world, before the Olympic games even began. The Russia team was confident in their own individual skill and didn’t see Team USA as a threat. However, with training and dedication, this team of college students was able to miraculously have victory over the Russia team during the Olympic games because they relied not on their own skills but on the skills of the team and the guidance of the coach. When we have a lot of success in our life or our life is simply going peacefully, we tend to become confident in our own abilities like Team Russia. We think that by sheer skill we can conquer anything on our own. This is not the case. Our success in life is from God and the peace we feel in good times is a precious gift not to be wasted by relaxing into the good times. King Solomon was seeing a lot of success as king. In the Old Testament passage from today, he had finally completed the temple and instead of praising his own ability and focusing on his own skill like Team Russia, he praised God. He recognized the building of the temple was not something done by himself alone. It was accomplished through the work of man following the instructions and will of God much like Team USA following the instructions of their coach. 

“He said, “O LORD, the God of Israel, there is no god like You in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant and showing lovingkindness to Your servants who walk before You with all their heart; who has kept with Your servant David, my father, that which You have promised him; indeed You have spoken with Your mouth and have fulfilled it with Your hand, as it is this day.’” – 2 Chronicles 6:14-15

King Solomon recognized the goodness and provision of God in the work of the temple. Take a moment to note the different descriptive terms Solomon uses to describe God and what He has done for the people. How have you seen these things in your own life?

-Makenna Landry

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the attitude that we have as we await the kingdom?
  2. Do you recognize the work of God in your own life?
  3. Take a moment to note the different descriptive terms Solomon uses to describe God and what He has done for the people. How have you seen these things in your own life?
sglcalendar2024Download