Tag: God

El-Shaddai God Almighty

*Genesis 35-36, Proverbs 18, Matthew 8

Devotion by Tom Siderius (MI)

Today, as we read, we see one of the great covenants of the Old Testament where the promises made to Abraham and Isaac are now extended to Jacob.  The first time God speaks to Jacob is when he was on the way to Laban’s household and he has a dream at Bethel (or Luz).  We see this dream in Genesis 28.

Genesis 28:13-15(NLT) At the top of the stairway stood the LORD, and he said, “I am the LORD, the God of your grandfather Abraham, and the God of your father, Isaac. The ground you are lying on belongs to you. I am giving it to you and your descendants. 14 Your descendants will be as numerous as the dust of the earth! They will spread out in all directions—to the west and the east, to the north and the south. And all the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants. 15 What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.”

Genesis 35:9-15(NLT) Now that Jacob had returned from Paddan-aram, God appeared to him again at Bethel. God blessed him, 10 saying, “Your name is Jacob, but you will not be called Jacob any longer. From now on your name will be Israel.” So God renamed him Israel. 11 Then God said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Be fruitful and multiply. You will become a great nation, even many nations. Kings will be among your descendants! 12 And I will give you the land I once gave to Abraham and Isaac. Yes, I will give it to you and your descendants after you.” 13 Then God went up from the place where he had spoken to Jacob. 14 Jacob set up a stone pillar to mark the place where God had spoken to him. Then he poured wine over it as an offering to God and anointed the pillar with olive oil. 15 And Jacob named the place Bethel (which means “house of God”), because God had spoken to him there.

God declares Himself to Jacob as the God who is Almighty, El-Shaddai.  It is a multifaceted name and does not have a direct English translation.  Read the following from “Prepare For Life Bible Study”  https://prepareforlifebiblestudy.com/el-shaddai.

“What Does El Shaddai Mean?

Knowing God as El Shaddai was pivotal in the faith/walk of Abraham.  Yet we are not certain of the exact meaning of this name for God although we have clues.  We know the El, the Hebrew name that is translated God, means prominent, preeminent, to be in front, strong.  The meaning of the Hebrew root for Shaddai is not totally clear.  There are at least four concepts wrapped up in these Hebrew characters. Each one brings more meaning to the name El Shaddai.

The root for Shaddai is similar to the root in Hebrew for mountain.  Mountains in the Bible connote might, strength and power.  They are often the symbol for governments.  They literally rule.  El Shaddai has the last say, He rules.

Tying in with this concept, the root for Shaddai also has the suggestion that he is mighty and awesome, even terrible and fierce.  El Shaddai is not a wimpy god who will back down and cower.  He is God Almighty.  He will accomplish His purposes.

A third concept brings a different connotation. The Hebrew word shad means breast.  The idea is that God is the one who nourishes, comforts and gives strength and sustenance to his people.  He meets their needs just as a nursing mother meets the needs of her child.  Think of the words bountiful and sufficient when you think of El Shaddai. Think of a nursing baby who comes to his mother worked into a frenzy and then receives from her resources and is content and satisfied and rests securely.

Closely following this concept is the fourth connotation that comes from the Hebrew word shadha meaning to pour out or shed forth.  The idea is that El Shaddai pours forth out of his bounty to meet our needs.”

Does this expand our knowledge and understanding about what God says to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob by calling himself El-Shaddai? 

Our God is the God of all sufficiency who is able to do whatever He decides to do.  When He promises mankind His care, we can take that as an absolute promise of performance.  This is so different from what we receive from the world and the performance of the promises made by people. 

Also let’s examine the record of believing which we read in Matthew 8 where we read the story of the Roman centurion and his servant.  He would be the equivalent of a Captain or Major in our Army who would lead a company of 100-250 men.  You don’t get this position by being a shrinking violet personality. 

Matthew 8:5-11(NLT) When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, 6 “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.” 7 Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.” 8 But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. 9 I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed.

Our faith comes when the believing of our heart lines up with the promises of God’s Word. When we have faith, we will act in accordance with the instruction that the Word gives us in a certain situation or relationships. We can mentally assent to much of what God says that it is true but not have faith to make it come to pass in our lives.  This is an important question we need to ask every day about our hearts and then our actions. 

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the most important decision we need to make in any given situation?
  2. What do you imagine when you hear and study the name El-Shaddai? Is there any way your view of God should change?
  3. How have you heard the promises of God? What promises of God do you believe?
  4. What actions should accompany what you believe?

Prayer

Father, I look to You today to give me help in my time of need and effort. Thank you for your mercy and love which brings to pass the promises that You have made to us. I thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus Christ who is my life and guide. I look to you today to give us all that we need from Your bountiful sufficiency. Love your son, Tom (insert your name if this is your prayer, too). In Jesus name we pray.

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Knock and It Will be Opened to You

Genesis 33-34

Proverbs 17

*Matthew 7

Devotion by Tom Siderius (MI)


Matthew 7:7-12(NKJV) Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! 12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

It is so humbling to read the words of Jesus and see how he so quickly and precisely condenses the issues of life into a perfect understanding for us. Here in Matthew 7 Jesus tells many truths that illustrate God’s true desire for mankind and gives us the hope that is evident in the statements and wisdom he teaches. 

Ask, Knock, Seek. All these actions come from a believing heart which hears the Word and desires to have the wisdom that God gives to us when we seek Him. The life of Jesus is the way that we can see the true heart of God in Jesus’ actions and speech. Marcia Railton recently taught us in the lessons on Matthew 5 that it is not by following the rules we are made wise and righteous, but by changing our hearts to be like our Father God who loves us. Our minds and hearts need to become changed from our human nature and sin and grow into the attitude and actions of being Christ-like. We must earnestly desire and pursue the truth of God’s Word for our lives in order for them to be changed into what God would have us be. 

Jesus appeals to our human understanding by asking us a question:  Which of you that is a father to children would not be true to their desire for food. Jesus asks, “when the son asks for bread would you give him a stone?”  Their bread was baked in a sort of furnace that had great flat stones for the bread loaves to set on and bake. After an extended period of use the stones in their ovens would look exactly like the loaves of bread being baked on them. Jesus is challenging us to be honest and true in how we deal with people by not giving wisdom or judgement to them which is false or counterfeit. 

The next question is “what father when asked for fish would give his son a snake?”  There were fish that came from the sea of Galilee and other waters that looked like a snake, long and slender. But they were good to eat and nutritious. The counterfeit action here would be to give the child a snake which could be dangerous and certainly not what should be given to them. Luke expands this teaching with “when asked for an egg would give the child a scorpion?”  Here again the counterfeit is the scorpion which when drawn tight together looks like a hen’s egg cooked and ready to eat. But the counterfeit egg is dangerous and even deadly.

Then Jesus asks the question  if we have at least this honesty and integrity with our own children to bless them how much more our God and Father in heaven desires to bless us and give us His care and love? I think this a fitting example of a rhetorical question as it causes us to examine the motives and desires of our hearts. We can live good lives by the rules, I haven’t stolen today, I haven’t murdered today, I haven’t committed adultery today. But the day is early as I write this so how can I be sure I will follow every rule making myself righteous in God’s sight? What great reward does He have for me today for being good and doing all the rules? 

Then we are convicted by just doing what our human nature would probably consider good, giving the real fish, bread, and egg to those that ask. But how much more does God require of us to become like Jesus with his heart of compassion and true love for those we meet and interact with.

Look at Proverbs 17:3 for more wisdom on these questions.

Proverbs 17:3(NKJV) The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,
But the LORD tests the hearts.

Yahweh God our Father is most concerned with our hearts and the test is what is really there. True wisdom comes from above and the words and life of Jesus give us such convicting records of how we are t0 believe and live.

Reflection Questions

  1. What good gifts have you received from God?
  2. Truthfully consider, what does God see in your heart today? What is He pleased to see? What doo you wish He did not see?
  3. What do you want others to do to you? How can you do, or give, that to others?

PRAYER:


Father God today we pray that You change our hearts from the hearts of stone we have to hearts filled with Your love and compassion. We seek you today and ask for Your help in all of life. We knock on the door of understanding and ask for You to give it to us. Father refine our hearts and motives so that we become like Christ. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray this today.

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Looking Again and Again at the Sermon on the Mount

Genesis 31-32

Proverbs 16

*Matthew 7

-Marcia Railton (IN)

For the last couple of years January often has me writing something on the Sermon on the Mount. I admit, at first it can seem like a chore to do. But, I have been thankful for the opportunity to take a deeper look into these passages, often seeing ways I need to “Think Again” to change my opinions, thoughts and ultimately my actions to become more like Jesus. It is a great way to start the year. But, how would I be different, inside and out, if I read, thought about, lived out the Sermon on the Mount every day?

So today, I will start with a few of the thoughts I have previously shared on Matthew 7 (with a few revisions, that’s part of the beauty of reading the Sermon on the Mount again and again and thinking again). You can read them – or just read Matthew 7 again. And then, in our longer than normal reflection section let’s talk about how we can be more intentional about keeping this spectacular sermon in our minds, mouths, heart and hands everyday.

Adapted from parts of The Rest of “Do Not Judge” – (from January 10, 2024 for SGL)

Unfortunately, the world has heard just the first three words, “Do Not Judge” and has twisted Jesus’ words into permission to sin and accept sin. But that is not the case! Jesus tells us over and over again (and even multiple times in this same chapter) to look carefully and judge whether people and actions and ideas are good or bad, righteous or wicked, wise or foolish, innocent or dangerous, taking us closer to God or further from Him. He warns you and I about the wolf in sheep’s clothing who wants to deceive you and figurative dogs and pigs that will tear you to pieces. And if you have already decided that it is not your place to judge if they are good or evil or to discern if they want what is good and godly for you or what will destroy you, then I fear you are already sitting in a very dangerous spot. 

So, what did Jesus mean when he started out with the words, “Do not Judge…or you too will be judged” and then gave the excellent illustration of the speck and the plank? Make sure you read it for yourself from Matthew 7. I think he was saying judge yourself first in order to be helpful in then spotting sin in others. Specks are hard to see clearly when we have a plank lodged in our eye socket. And our restored sight is crucial in then being able to delicately help our neighbor remove the irritating speck in their eye. When we judge rightly we can start out by putting every single one of us in the same sorry sinking boat of sinners in need of a Savior – just make sure you jump into that boat first. Stop bad talking and blaming the neighbors and church members and family and see yourself for what you are and what you do. Don’t sugar-coat the truth trying to make yourself look better than the rest. 

Sin causes vision problems – those dangerous specks and planks in the eye are not conducive to seeing the world or yourself clearly. It can be all too easy to completely overlook seeing our own sins and instead attack others for not measuring up to Jesus’ standard. I have been quick to blame my husband and my kids and my friends, when the fault was also with me. I have mistreated people, sometimes to their face, sometimes behind their back. And I have tried to ‘fix’ things my way rather than patiently trusting God for what He said He would do in His time. I can be very selfish and prideful and rude. And the list goes on. And if I don’t accept and work to correct these problems and sins in myself FIRST then I will be hypocritical and ineffective when I, with that plank still stuck in my eye, turn to help my neighbor who has a speck in her eye.

Jesus was not saying specks and planks in the eye are okay and we should leave them be. Sin is not okay. He was telling us the order in which to correct things – self first SO THAT you can actually be useful in helping others recognize and remove the sins that are affecting their sight and health and well-being. Sin surgery for yourself first. Recognize it for what it is and get it out! Then look with compassion not contempt on the neighbors of the world, some of whom do not even know God’s law and have no idea they are stuck in sin because they only heard “Do Not Judge” and never heard the rest.

Adapted from parts of Will it Stand or Fall – (from January 12, 2024 for SGL)

Jesus too, warns of storms with such driving rains and rising waters which have the power to totally destroy and wipe out homes if we don’t take the proper actions beforehand. Storms are coming – and in some cases they have already begun. Jesus tells us, some houses will stand, some will not. It depends on their foundation. Is the house built on rock - or on sand – which is determined by how wise – or how foolish – the builder is. Both builders listen to the words of Jesus – good first step. The wise builder proceeds to “put it into practice” – and his house endures the storm. The foolish builder with his house built on sand has heard the words of Jesus but does not put them into practice. And when the storm comes, his house is destroyed.

Hear the words of Jesus. And then, put it into practice. It is not enough to sit at his feet listening every week or even every morning – if you don’t then spend your days DOING what he says. We have just spent the last several days reading and looking at Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Now, what will we do with it? What will it look like to put it into practice today and tomorrow and every day of 2024 (and now 2026) and the rest of our lives – however long or short that may be? Both houses will experience the winds and the rain. Will your house stand?

Reflection Questions

  1. Judge yourself first – what sins are on the plank in your eye? How has sin (the plank in your eye) affected your vision? Do you want it gone? What are the benefits to having it removed? What is needed to remove it?
  2. Looking through Matthew 7, what thought or call to action strikes you as one God wants to see you really working on this month?
  3. It is not enough to be considering these words of Jesus just every January when our Bible reading plan has us reading through the book of Matthew. We need to be tending to our foundation regularly to ensure our homes will withstand the storms. How can we get these words into our hearts so we make them a part of our daily thought/judging/discerning process and then put it into practice so we don’t find ourselves (and our loved ones) surprised at the end of the wide path that leads to destruction? Every day this year I want to read something from the Sermon on the Mount. How about even multiple times a day? I printed a simple Matthew 5-7 document to hang throughout my house – one page in the laundry room, one page on the inside of the medicine cabinet, another in the front of my Bible, etc…. Through the year I can rotate them around if one is more neglected. Feel free to make yours pretty and colorful and/or underlined and marked up. I am excited about learning this familiar sermon better. But not just learning it – living it, more and more. Will you join me? Here’s one to print for you:
Sermon on the Mount NKJVDownload

Prayer

Dear God Almighty, we praise You because you are perfect in all Your ways. Thank you for the gift of Your Son who not only tells us but also shows us how to live different from the world, and also different from the “religious leaders” of his day, on the narrow path, a light for the world, with a heart devoted to pleasing You, with our foundation on the rock, putting into action every day the words and wisdom in this spectacular Sermon on the Mount. Lord, I confess the plank in my eye. Help me see it. I don’t want it to stay. I want to see clearly and I know this requires sin surgery in my own life, thoughts, attitudes and actions. Help me remove it, realizing it might be a painful process – but with such marvelous benefits in this life and the one to come. Thank you for Your forgiveness, Your wisdom shared through Your Son, Your guidance and proddings through Your Holy Spirit. Help me to listen well this whole year to this Sermon on the Mount, that I might become more and more like Your Son Jesus who preached and lived and died these words for me, and is coming again to live eternally with those who choose to hear and DO your words. In his precious name I pray, Amen.

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The Cheater is Cheated

*Genesis 29-30

Proverbs 15

Matthew 7

– Devotion by Steve Mattison (IN)

Jacob had run for his life to get away from his brother, Esau, whom he had cheated.  In Genesis 29, Jacob arrived in Padan Aram, his mother’s ancestral home, and went to a well.  Jacob was there not only to get away from his brother but also to look for a wife.  This was his lucky day.  He found his first cousin, Rachel, at the well.

After Rachel told her dad, Laban, he invited Jacob to live with them and work for him.  After spending a month working for Laban, Jacob’s uncle, Laban asked what wages Jacob would like as he continued to work.  In Genesis 29:18, we’re told, “Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, ‘I’ll work for you seven years in return for your daughter Rachel.’”  (Remember, he had only known her for one month when he said this!)  Jacob must have been head over heels in love, because in Genesis 29:20, we read, “So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.”

At the end of the seven years, Laban held a big wedding celebration. When Jacob woke up the next morning, Rachel’s older sister, Leah, was lying beside him.  Laban had tricked Jacob into marrying the wrong sister!  After complaining to Laban, Jacob agreed to work another 7 years for the wife he really wanted, and married her a week later.

Jacob had tricked his father and had cheated his brother.  Now, Jacob was tricked by his father-in-law, who would continue to cheat Jacob repeatedly for 20 years.

This is an example of a principle that we see demonstrated throughout scripture, and we see in our lives today.  Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived, God cannot be mocked.  A man reaps what he sows.”  

In his early life, Jacob was opportunistic and deceitful – only looking out for himself.  After working for Laban for 20 years of hardships, Jacob grew to recognize he didn’t have to cheat to get ahead, but understood that God was looking out for him (See Genesis 31:38–42).

This isn’t just a story about a historical character and his family.  These principles still hold true for us today.  Even though God will forgive us when we confess our sins (1 John 1:9), we will still suffer from the natural consequences of our actions.

There is an easier way.  We can save ourselves a lot of pain and trouble by just following God from the start.  But we each have to make that choice for ourselves.  What’s your choice?

Reflection Questions

  1. You might not have tricked your father or cheated your brother or son-in-law in such grandiose ways as Jacob and Laban did, but carefully consider your ways. Are there times you have been at least slightly deceptive or not totally truthful in trying to make yourself look better, others look worse, or get what you want?
  2. Have you seen the “reap what you sow” principle in someone else’s life? Did it help them or hurt them? Why? How about in your life? What have you been reaping and why? What are you currently sowing?
  3. In what ways do you think you are currently following God? Are there any ways in which you are still just doing your own thing, looking out for yourself?

Prayer

Dear God – I praise You for You are truth and righteousness. You are never deceived. You see me and know me and You still love me and desire what is best for me – You! I confess the times I selfishly lie, cheat, deceive, or misrepresent myself, others or the truth. May I put my full confidence in You. Help me follow You better today than I did yesterday. In Your Son’s name I pray.

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Think Again – Do Not Worry

Genesis 25-26

Proverbs 13

Matthew 6

Devotion on Matthew 6 by Marcia Railton (IN)

The Sermon on the Mount continues in Matthew 6 with so much wisdom. At the end of the devotion yesterday, the last question suggested we look for anything useful in this chapter for Thinking Again – a challenge to consider how we can rethink our opinions and thoughts to be more inline with God’s. I found a few…

I should “think again” about my motives in giving, praying and fasting. (Do these – for all the right reasons.)

I should “think again” about the importance of forgiving others. (Do it, or my Heavenly Father will not forgive me of my sins!)

I should “think again” about what I truly value and prioritize. (My worldly stuff – ALL I own or wish I owned – is worthless. How can I focus instead on building up what really matters to God and has eternal value?)

I should “think again” about who or what I am actually serving. (Does my love, loyalty and life – both thoughts and actions- prove that I have made God the Master of my life?)

That thought leads perfectly into the next big “Think Again” – I should “think again” and see that I do not need to waste my life in worry. I love this passage! I need this passage, and just maybe you do, too – at least from time to time.

“Look at the birds of the sky” and “Consider the lilies of the field…” This is such wise advice from Jesus, for anytime, but especially when we are stuck in our worry. Stop looking at yourself and your little world of trouble. Look up. Look out. Watch nature. There are interesting studies on the benefits of being in nature (or even seeing a tree through the window) to lower cortisol (a stress regulating hormone) and depression. Yes, psychologists and scientists are right, nature is good and helpful. But, even better, is knowing and trusting the God who created it. He not only created it, but He continues to care for His creation – including creating and caring for you. That is what God’s Son is telling us in Matthew 6:25-34. Look up. Look out. See God.

What do you see when you see God?

If my God is wimpy, I will have a lot to worry about.

If my God is cold or heartless, I will have a lot to worry about.

If my God is clueless, I will have a lot to worry about.

But that is NOT my God!

My Father knows what I need. My Father cares for me. He values me. He sees me. He is able. He alone can take care of everything I truly need and so much more.

How do you see God? Are you allowing your worry to replace your faith in God?

See Him for who He really is! Seek Him first and replace all those worried thoughts. Think Again – do not worry!

Reflection Questions

  1. If you are battling with worry take a little time and write out Jesus’ words from Matthew 6:25-34. For each sentence also try putting the same thought into your own words. What is Jesus saying to you?
  2. What thoughts does God want you to be thinking? Is your worry replacing your trust in God. What does God want you to replace your worry with? (See Philippians 4:4-9) How can you help yourself more consistently think again?
  3. Tell me about your God. Is He wimpy, cold or clueless? Is He your Master, really and truly? What do you know about Him? Do you trust Him? How will I know what you think about God by watching what you do and think and say?
  4. What will it look like this week for you to “Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33)

PRAYER

Dear God, I praise You for You are God alone. You are the Creator and Sustainer. You are indeed strong and mighty, all-knowing and all-powerful. Yet, You still see and care for me. I thank you for your love and our history together, the way you have cared for me, and my loved ones, and those who came before me over and over – throughout time. Help me to see You clearly, Father, so I do not waste time worrying. May my focus be on You, Your Kingdom, and Your Righteousness. Help me live these words of wisdom from Your Son. In his name I pray to You. Amen.

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Think Again – This Time with Some Help

Genesis 23-24, * Proverbs 12, Matthew 6

–Marcia Railton (IN)

Yesterday we discussed the wisdom found in the idea of “Think Again” – to be willing to question your opinions, thoughts and even feelings in order to bring them more and more inline with God’s way of thinking. We are wise to realize we are not always right and neither are our opinions, thoughts and feelings always right. When our thinking is not lined up with God, our feelings, attitudes and actions will also swerve away from what is pleasing to God.

Sometimes we can adjust our thinking on our own. Sometimes it might take a little help from outside ourselves. Sometimes, we don’t take too kindly to those helpers. Too often, we take offense at hearing we might be wrong. We prefer staying in our comfortable me-ness rather than do the work of honestly and humbly evaluating incoming feedback and doing the work of courageously thinking again. Today in our Proverbs reading there are a couple excellent verses about correction. Proverbs 12:1 starts right out with a powerful punch:

“One who loves discipline loves knowledge,
But one who hates rebuke is stupid.”

When our kids were growing up we did not allow them to use the word ‘stupid’ because it’s just not nice. But, I won’t tell God He can’t use the word. These Proverbs can be hard. Loving discipline is hard. Not hating rebuke is hard.

But they are a tad easier when I remember and accept that I am not right all the time, nor do I do right all the time. And it’s really not a secret or surprise to anyone that I am an imperfect human being. I know that. God knows that. My husband knows that. My kids know that. My church family knows that. My neighbors know that. Even my little daycare friends know that. Marcia messes up. So, do I prefer to stay in my messiness, or do I accept a little help, a little discipline, a little rebuke, knowing I can be better and cleaner for it.

While we are at it, Proverbs 12:15 is another great one.

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
But a person who listens to advice is wise.

It makes me think of an adorable little one with a very messy face, though they often don’t know it, or care. When I take the warm wet washcloth to the lunch left on their face there can be some loud protest and struggle. They would much prefer I just leave them alone and they would happily smear that goo all over me and my clothes and the couch and on one another. Our messiness never stays on ourself, which is another good reason to attack it, and not the hand with the washcloth.

These verses from Proverbs are great ones to keep in mind and memory and heart, even before someone comes to us with a warm wet washcloth. Correction, advice, rebuke, discipline isn’t to be avoided. It is for our good, even when it rubs a little. It doesn’t have to feel good in order for it to be good. It is to help clean us up. It is to jump-start our Think Again process. No reason to be a stupid fool (God’s words not mine) – just let them help you wash your face. 🙂

Reflection Questions

  1. Sometimes we neglect looking in the mirror to see our messiness and what needs to be cleaned up. Take some time to humbly and honestly prayerfully consider what a look in the mirror will reveal. What do you see in yourself that is worthy of a washcloth?
  2. When have you grown from an experience when you accepted correction well and adjusted accordingly? Can you also think of a time you protested and struggled against the wet warm washcloth?
  3. There are probably times when you will see the opportunity to help someone else with some words of correction or advice. Knowing that there can be some resistance , especially when done harshly, what are some things to keep in mind as the warm wet washcloth holder?
  4. Today is the first of 3 days reading Matthew 6. What do you find in this chapter that could be useful for thinking again?

PRAYER

Dear Father, Thank you for your wisdom passed on to us through the words of Proverbs. Help me listen well and put them into practice in my life. I do not want to be a stupid fool who is blind to my own messiness and fights against correction. I want to let go of pride so that I can humbly learn from the wisdom and helpful insight of others, even when it hurts a bit, so I can think again, clean up, and grow closer and closer to You and what You want to see in me. In your Son’s name I pray. Amen.

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Think Again

Genesis 20-22, Proverbs 11, Matthew 5

Devotion by Marcia Railton (IN)

I always ask my family for gift list ideas because I have learned I don’t always do a very good job of reading their minds and choosing that gift that is indeed just what they wanted. Our son came up with a nice gift list this year, including several books he was interested in reading. One particular title really caught my attention: Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant. I have not read the book so I am not recommending it as much as the idea that there is value in “learning to question your opinions”. Sometimes our ideas, thoughts, opinions, and I would add feelings are indeed not based on God’s full truth (which is not mentioned in the book synopsis). We would be wise to be willing to do the hard work of relearning (which in my opinion, not necessarily Mr Grant’s) involves bringing our every opinion, thought, conviction, and feeling more and more into alignment with God’s. This can certainly be a difficult thing to do! I know I often fail at reading the minds of my own human offspring, how much more will I miss the mark in trying to know and imitate the perfect mind and heart of the Almighty Creator and Sustainer?

Knowing that I do miss the mark is perhaps half of the battle. Then I am more willing to humbly accept that I can benefit from looking at it again to see what I missed, what I can learn, what opinion needs to be changed, what feeling softened, what feeling strengthened, what thoughts, opinions and feelings completely thrown out. As it says in our Proverb of the day: “When pride comes, then comes dishonor; But with the humble there is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2 NASB)

Last year about this time I wrote a devotion titled Family Isn’t Everything on the testing of Abraham from Genesis 22. If I were rewriting it today it would be a little different. I think I did not stress enough the trust that Abraham had in God that made all the difference in his willingness to do the unthinkable that God told him to do. I think Abraham was learning and demonstrating that what he personally thought wasn’t always right but he humbly acted on his trust in God and his belief that he was listening to and obeying the All-knowing, completely wise and loving God of miracles who could show His power and plan in any way He desired. And that, along with his wise desire to put God first, even before his precious, long awaited and much loved son, gave him the ability to rise early in the morning and take the three day journey and travel up the mountain for a sacrifice to God with fire, a knife, wood and no animal, only his son. Don’t you love how re-reading God’s Word leads to seeing new layers and thinking again to grow in our knowledge and understanding of our Great Big God and what pleases Him.

This time around in reading Genesis 20-22 I was also struck by the interchange between God and Abraham when Sarah wants to send away Hagar and Ishmael after Isaac is weaned (one chapter before the almost sacrifice of Isaac). Depending on the version, Abraham is distressed, displeased, upset, worried, troubled, full of sorrow, or grieved at the thought of sending his first son Ishmael away. And most of us would probably say, that makes sense, I would be distressed, too. But I love the part that comes next. God says, “Do not let it be displeasing in your sight…” (Genesis 21:12 NKJV). It is almost like God is telling Abraham – Think Again – I have got this. Don’t worry. Don’t be troubled. You concentrate on what I want you to concentrate on (following Me). You do the most important thing and I will take care of the rest. “Do not let it be displeasing in your sight.” Isn’t that freeing that we get to decide – with God’s wisdom and guidance – what is or isn’t going to be displeasing in our sight. It does indeed take a lot of Thinking Again to adjust not only our opinions but also our attitudes and feelings. When we find ourselves distressed, displeased, upset, worried, troubled, full of sorrow, or grieved perhaps it would be wise of us to ask God if this is a feeling we should hang on to, or if it is best to let go of it.

Speaking of Think Again, I think that is what Jesus was saying over and over again in Matthew 5 in the Sermon on the Mount when he said, “You have heard it said…but I tell you” (5:21, 27, 30, 33, 38, 43). Think Again. You might not know quite as much as you thought you did. Think Again. You do not yet see the whole picture, the full truth, God’s entire plan. Think Again. Your opinion, thoughts and feelings can line up more closely with God’s. Think Again. There is a better way of thinking and doing and feeling than you have done before. Think Again. With humility not pride. Think Again.

Reflection Questions

  1. What percentage of the time do you think you are right? What percentage of the time do you think you are actually right? 🙂 Can you think of a time you “thought again” and became wiser for it?
  2. When do you need to most remember that you do not have the mind of God? How can you remember to be humble?
  3. Why was Jesus saying to not continue doing life/righteousness the old way? Why was it time to think again?
  4. What might God want you to unlearn and relearn? What old thoughts, opinions and even feelings are you holding onto that are not currently helpful and leading you closer and closer to God’s wisdom and heart?

Prayer

Dear God Almighty, We praise you for knowing all things. Help me remember there is so much I do not know, sometimes including what is pleasing to You. May I humble myself, continually seek You and Your way and be willing to do the work of Thinking Again so I come closer and closer to what You want me to be. Direct me in what feelings, what worries, what opinions are good for me to let go of, knowing that You can take care of what I can not, so that I may be focused on doing Your will. Thank you for working with me, one step at a time, and helping me grow.

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Two Lists

Genesis 17-19, Proverbs 10, Matthew 5

Devotion by Steve Mattison (IN) – originally posted for SeekGrowLove on July 18, 2022

In Proverbs 10, we see several contrasts between a person with Godly wisdom who lives a Godly life versus someone who doesn’t.  I thought it might be nice to summarize those contrasts here.

A person with Godly wisdom and who lives a Godly life:

  • Brings joy to their father (v1)
  • God doesn’t let this person go hungry (v3)
  • Hard-working (v4, 5)
  • The memory of this person will be a blessing (v7)
  • Accepts commands (v8)
  • Their mouth is a fountain of life (v11)
  • Love covers wrongs (v12)
  • Wise and discerning (v13)
  • Receives life (v16)
  • Holds their tongue (v19)
  • Delights in wisdom (v23)
  • Desires will be granted (v24)
  • Stand firm forever (v25)
  • Adds length of life (v27)
  • Has joy (v28)
  • Will not be uprooted (v30)
  • Mouth brings forth wisdom (v31)
  • Knows what is fitting (v32)

A person who doesn’t:

  • Brings grief to their mother (v1)
  • God thwarts this person’s cravings (v3)
  • Lazy (v4, 5)
  • Violent (v6, 11)
  • Name will be cursed (v7)
  • Fool comes to ruin (v8)
  • Hatred stirs up dissension (v12)
  • Punished (v13, 16)
  • Conceals hatred (v18)
  • Spreads slander (v18)
  • Their heart is of little value (v20)
  • Finds pleasure in evil conduct (v23)
  • What they dread will overtake them (v24)
  • Swept away (v25)
  • Their life is cut short (v27)
  • Hopes come to nothing (v28)
  • Will not remain in the land (v30)
  • Only knows what is perverse (v32)

Which list would you like to describe you? If you see some attributes in the second list that may be used to describe you, you can change.

Hebrews 3:8 says, “Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts”.  If something here got your attention, take action.  Don’t let this moment pass.

2 Corinthians 6:2 says, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”  Now is the time to act.

James 4:4-10 says, “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.  … That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Come near to God and he will come near to you. … purify your hearts, you double-minded.  Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.  Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

You can be a friend of the world, and fall into the second list, or be a friend of God and fall into the first list.  But in order to be a friend of God, you first must submit to God, resist the devil, and draw near to God.  You must humble yourself before God, only then He will lift you up.  Only then will the first list fully describe you.

Application Questions

  1. What 2-3 points do you find most appealing from the first list for the Godly life?
  2. What 2-3 points do you find most distasteful or disturbing from the second list?
  3. Both lists include some actions/attitudes as well as consequences. How do your choices now determine your future? How often do you remember this?
  4. If you choose to humble yourself before God and submit to Him, what will that look like for you today? How will you work to remove something from the second list and then also replace it with something from the first?

Prayer

Dear God, We praise you for your wisdom and thank you for the book of Proverbs. I confess the times that I have not applied your wisdom to my life but have chosen instead the foolish friendship with the world path. Help me be fully committed to You and living the life You want for me in all the little daily decisions I make as well as the big ones. Help me see these two lists clearly in the decisions that I make today and every day and give me the discernment and discipline to choose what is wise and right. Lord, I want to humble myself, resist the devil and submit to You more and more, over and over again. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Attitude Check

Genesis 15 & 16, Proverbs 9, Matthew 5

Devotion by Marcia Railton (IN)

As we read through the Sermon on the Mount, the first of 5 segments of Jesus’ teaching in the book of Matthew, we will spend three days not two on each of the chapters 5-7. Today’s devotion will focus on the first section of chapter 5 – the Beatitudes. Whether this is your first time reading them, or you can quote them all, sometimes it is helpful reading a variety of versions to get a better understanding of Jesus’ words and how to put them into practice. Take special note of some variations of “Blessed”.

Poor in Spirit – Verse 3 – “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (NASB), “Great blessings belong to those who know they are spiritually in need.” (ERV), “the humble, who rate themselves insignificant” (AMPC), “those devoid of spiritual arrogance” (AMP), “those people who depend only on him” (CEV), “Those people who know they have great spiritual needs are happy. (ICB), “’Humble men are very fortunate’ he told them, ‘for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.'” (TLB)

Those Who Mourn – Verse 4 – “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (NASB), “God makes happy those who are sad. They will have comfort.” (WE), “They are blessed who grieve, for God will comfort them.” (NCV), “Those who mourn are fortunate! for they shall be comforted.” (TLB)

The Meek – Verse 5 – “Blessed (happy, blithesome, joyous, spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the meek (the mild, patient, long-suffering), for they shall inherit the earth!” (AMPC), “Blessed [inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect] are the gentle [the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled], for they will inherit the earth.” (AMP), “God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.” (NLT), “God makes happy those who quietly trust him and do not try to get their own way. The world will belong to them.” (WE), meek also replaced with “gentle” (NASB).

Hunger & Thirst for Righteousness – Verse 6 – “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” (NASB), “God blesses those people who want to obey him more than to eat or drink. They will be given what they want!” (CEV), “Great blessings belong to those who want to do right more than anything else. God will fully satisfy them.” (ERV), “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for God’s approval. They will be satisfied.” (NOG)

The Merciful – Verse 7 – “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” (ESV), “Great blessings belong to those who show mercy to others. Mercy will be given to them.” (ERV), “Those who show loving-kindness are happy, because they will have loving-kindness shown to them.” (NLV), “God makes happy those who are kind. He will be kind to them.” (WE)

Pure in Heart – Verse 8 – “Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.” (NKJV), “Those who are pure in their thinking are happy. They will be with God.” (ICB), “Happy are the utterly sincere, for they will see God!” (PHILLIPS), “They are blessed whose thoughts are pure, for they will see God.” (NCV)

Peacemakers – Verse 9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (NABRE), ““Happy are those who work for peace; God will call them his children!” (GNT), “Great blessings belong to those who work to bring peace. God will call them his sons and daughters.” (ERV), “Blessed (enjoying enviable happiness, spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God! (AMPC)

Persecuted for Righteousness – Verse 10 – “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (ESV), “Blessed are those who suffer for doing what is right. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.” (NIRV), “Blessed are those who are persecuted for doing what God approves of. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.” (NOG),

You may have noticed that this list of Beatitudes does not look like the Ten Commandments. It does not tell us what to avoid doing. It does not even specifically tell us what to do. It does not list for us the ten things to make sure we do so that we can check them off the list for each day. It does not say: Blessed are those who read their Bible every day. Blessed are those who spend at least 15 minutes in prayer each day. Blessed are those who tithe 10%, (but 11% is better). Blessed are those who have perfect attendance at every church function.

I am a natural born rule follower who wants to please God. So my first instinct is to want that daily checklist. Can you tell me God, exactly how many minutes of distraction is allowed when I should be focused on You and the job I said I would do for You? Where is the line where human nature crosses over into disobedience? If there was a big red line I might not cross it – too many times – maybe – until I saw how easy it was to cross over to please myself instead of God. Who am I kidding, I might like rules. But I don’t always like following them. Maybe it would be better if I had a checklist, a big red line to not cross and an electric zapper for when I do, which will obviously have to grow in intensity. Or, maybe just an easy 3 warning zaps and then immediate death. Guess what – I wouldn’t make a very good God at all! Thankfully, God is a very good God. And He has designed a very good way for His children – telling us what to do (and not do), and also, here His Son lays out the list of how we are to do what He wants us to do. What does our heart look like when we follow Him?

Having this list of attitudes in no way means that we no longer have to concern ourselves with doing what God wants as well as avoiding the things He doesn’t want. In fact we ought to be doing the things that please God so much that we are getting into trouble, persecuted by the world, for doing the things that God wants us to do. Jesus says, “whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:19b-20 ESV). The Pharisees were the checklist experts! Even tithing on their herbs and not lifting a finger on the Sabbath. They had all God’s laws down pat! They were so diligent – making new laws to protect God’s law, watching others carefully to point out any time they slip, puffed up with pride over how well they checked the boxes, always focused on their checklist, instead of their heart. Jesus said – Do better. Watch your heart. Catch your motives. Strike your pride. Use wisdom.

Realize you are spiritually in need. Get rid of your spiritual arrogance. Be poor in spirit.

Grieve and mourn – not just for your losses, but for what grieves God.

Be meek, humble, gentle. It’s not weakness – it’s being like Jesus.

More than anything else, desire in your own life what God says is right.

Be full and overflowing with mercy and loving-kindness for others.

Make your heart clean with pure, God-honoring thoughts and decisions.

Strive for peace and help others do likewise.

WHILE also being willing to stand up and do right even when the world persecutes you for it.

Do what God wants, in the way that God wants.

Have a humble heart that truly wants to please God.

Watch your attitudes as much as your actions – and you will be blessed.

Reflection Questions

  1. How would you describe the term “blessed”? Is it more than “happy”?
  2. What do you notice about the consequences or rewards for those with these attitudes? Are some for now? Are some for the future? Are some for both? What do you know about God’s promises?
  3. Have you experienced any persecution from the world for doing what is right? If so, was it worth it? What did you learn? If not, why not?
  4. Which of these Beatitudes would you like to focus on increasing in your life this week? What changes will it require?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for being a good God who still loves and longs for relationship with your very human and imperfect creation. Thank you for your Son who shows us how to be pleasing to You. Help me to see Jesus’ heart and his desires, his attitudes and actions, so I can better seek to reflect that in myself. Help me to diligently work at cleaning out all impurity, pride, and wrong motives and attitudes to be what you want to see in me. Help me to do what you want, in the way that you want. Thank you for your promises for today and for the future. Help me be ready, and prepare others to be ready, for your Son’s Coming Return. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Standing or Falling

Genesis 13-14, Proverbs 8, Matthew 4

Devotion by Marcia Railton (IN)

Smooth, delicious chocolate, sometimes with crunchy nuts or gooey caramel (instead of the nutritious salad fixings abandoned in my fridge). Or really sugar in just about any form.

A “well-deserved” social media break, just for a few minutes, that turns into much longer.

On-line shopping to find just the right pair of shoes for a trip, or maybe I need pants, or what about that sweater, would that color look good on me?

Those were three temptations I caved in to just last night when I was supposed to be writing this devotion! Yikes! When my sleepy husband asked why I was so late in getting to bed, I said something like I had been busy falling into temptation. No, I hadn’t spent the late night hours murdering my neighbor, stealing from the bank on the corner, or bowing down to carved idols. But, I had said ‘Yes’ to my own selfish, meaningless, unhealthy pursuits instead of being and doing what God most desired for me – what was best for me.

Perhaps, I should not be the one writing the devotion today. I am obviously not a specialist in standing up to temptation. I need an example to follow, I need to learn from a master – Ah, yes, thank God, He DID indeed provide the perfect example who longs to be my master. He gave us His human Son Jesus. And right after the baptism of Jesus, and right before Jesus begins his years of ministry, God’s Holy Spirit led Jesus, God’s own beloved, pleasing Son, into the wilderness where he fasted for 40 days and 40 nights.

As we are looking for clues on how Jesus faced temptation so successfully, there’s a couple great ones right there. Jesus was already open to and actively being led by the Spirit. What did God’s spirit want for him? That’s what He wanted too, even when it meant willingly going into a difficult, sometimes even dangerous space.

Compare Jesus’ location and circumstance with Adam and Eve’s when they were also confronted with choices to make. The first son of God was surrounded with God’s bounty and beauty and provision in the spectacular garden. Good, healthy, God-honoring fruit literally surrounded them when they instead listened to the deception of the serpent and chose to eat of the tree that God had already clearly said “No” to. Jesus didn’t use his harsh surroundings or difficult circumstances as an excuse to be weak. Instead, he found strength in using that time to fast and pray and draw closer to God which indeed made him even stronger and better prepared to face his adversary. Don’t get so comfortable in your pleasant surroundings that you become weak and don’t recognize temptation for what it is. Don’t fear the time spent in the harsh wilderness, but use the opportunity to cling closer and closer to what really matters – the God who is always there.

After the 40 days of fasting Jesus gives us the next big answer of how he faced each one of Satan’s three temptations in the wilderness – with the very words of God His Father, each and every time. In fact, the first Scripture Jesus quotes to Satan are strong words about the sustaining power from the words of God, and our need for God’s word, from the book of Deuteronomy: “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4) If we try to face temptation without the power of God’s word we will be weak. Matthew 4:4 is a great verse for me to remember today when I sit down to work on tomorrow’s devotion! Here’s a few more:

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. – Ephesians 6:14-17

God’s word: read it, learn it, use it – and live (better and stronger today and also for eternity).

God’s word: neglect it, forget it, try to do life your own way – and die (but first, you will likely waste a lot of time, have a lot of self-made sorrow, and miss out on doing God’s will).

His Words are not just for gaining knowledge, they are for fighting temptation, finding truth, for making strong and giving life. Don’t miss out!

Let’s review what we have seen from Jesus about successfully facing temptation: Jesus was willing to be led by the Spirit. He used his time in the wilderness well. He fasted and drew closer to God. He recognized Satan for who he was. He discerned the lies and empty promises of the deceiver and actively chose what God said and promised instead. He wanted God’s will, not his own. He knew God’s Word. He used God’s Word as a sword to do battle against untruth, temptations and the tempter. He said, “Away with you Satan!” And he was victorious!

What about you? Do you know what temptations you face regularly? What do you crave? What do you covet? What are you jealous of? What leads you astray? What do you feel guilty about? Where do you lose self-control? What good do you neglect and why? How do you waste time? What do you say ‘Yes’ to that God wanted you to say ‘No” to? And, what do you say ‘No’ to that God wanted you to say ‘Yes’ to? What is Satan whispering in your ear or in your heart? What do you worship (with your time, money, devotion, or decisions)?

Realize you have choices, decisions to make. Big ones and little ones. It’s not just about not murdering your neighbor and not bowing down to carved idols. It’s also about how you treat the gift of the miraculous body God gave you. It’s about how you choose to spend the gift of the time God gives you. It’s about how you treat the people God surrounds you with. It’s about if you choose what you want, or what God wants.

And Satan (as well as the world and marketers today) can make the bad choice, or the selfish one, or the unhealthy one, look pretty good, that’s what makes it tempting. If it looked like the garbage it is, we would gladly turn from it. Don’t be fooled by the stone that looks like bread, the impressive view, and Satan’s promises.

God gives the perfect example of His Son. Follow that example – not mine.

God gives His Word, the Scriptures – the sword to do battle with the tempter. It worked for Jesus. I need to use it better!

God gives knowledge, wisdom and discernment – ask for it and use it.

God gives the spirit of self-control – that’s the one I want.

God gives forgiveness and new beginnings.

Prayer

Dear God – I am sorry. Please forgive me of the many times I fall to temptation. Help me do better, Lord God. Help me follow the example of your Son when I am in the wilderness and also when I am in the garden. Help me go where Your Spirit is leading. Help me forsake what I want and choose instead what You want, which is indeed the best for me. Help me see garbage for what it is, and turn from it to you and your gifts, again and again. I ask for wisdom and discernment to see what is from You and what are deceptions from the deceiver. Help me use your Word well to be strong against temptation. Thank you for your Word, your forgiveness, love and mercy and a new day to work at doing Your will better. Help me use all that you give me to stand strong against temptation. Thank you for the example and sacrifice of your Son Jesus. In his name we pray to You the Almighty. Amen.

Reflection Questions

  1. Compare and contrast when Satan came to the garden and when he came to the wilderness? What similarities do you see? What differences? Is Satan still making visits? What does it look like?
  2. Consider the paragraph of questions regarding what are temptations for you. What do you see about your own temptations? What temptations do you sometimes fall to?
  3. Eating chocolate isn’t always a sin or temptation is it? But is it sometimes? When? Why? What makes the difference?
  4. What scriptures can you find (and put in your home and in your heart) to help you face your temptations better armed with the Sword of the Spirit?
  5. Have you ever tried fasting when facing a particularly difficult time of temptation?
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