Tag: Marcia Railton

Five Women

*Exodus 1-2

Proverbs 26

Matthew 12

Devotion by Marcia Railton (IN)

In today’s reading of Exodus 1 & 2 we get to meet 5 women (one of them a young lady) who each displayed wisdom, courage and compassion.

First off, we have Shiphrah and Puah, two Hebrew midwives at a time in Egypt when Pharaoh was scared of the growing Hebrew population. Pharaoh had already tried breaking the Hebrew people by enslaving them into forced labor building his cities. But even when he made the work harder and harder, the Hebrews were still multiplying and growing in strength. Fearing an uprising, Pharaoh hatched an evil plan and gave an order to the midwives. They were to kill every Hebrew baby boy that they were called in to help deliver. Imagine for a moment that your job was to help laboring mothers bring new (9 month old) life into this world. What a sacred and holy job of joy, except for the sorrow that came with those rare instances when complications leave grief and loss instead of sweet new breath. But now Pharaoh was commanding them. With their own hands they were to be responsible for the killing of all of the baby boys that emerged – because these babies were Hebrew – and because these babies were males.

I have felt like I have been in some tough situations – but nothing anything like this! What would Shiphrah and Puah do? I am guessing they didn’t send a loud “NO” as soon as they heard the command – or else they likely wouldn’t have lived long themselves. They also didn’t run away or put in for early retirement. The Scriptures tell us they feared God and did not do as the king had commanded them. They went to work, just like before, and helped Hebrew moms deliver their babies, both boys and girls, just like before. Fearing God can take a lot of courage! And they certainly needed that courage when questioned by Pharaoh as to why the baby boys weren’t dying. They said the Hebrew women gave birth before the midwives came. “And God dealt well with the midwives…And so it was, because the midwives feared God, that he provided households for them” (Exodus 1:20-21). Well done, Shiphrah and Puah! You feared God and were rewarded.

Perhaps one or both of these courageous women came to help Jochebed (the “daughter of Levi” in Exodus 2, who is named in Exodus 6) when the time came for her to deliver her baby. Pharaoh had now changed the rules. Since the two midwives had not done his dastardly deed, now it was up to everyone to follow his new order – all Hebrew boys were to be thrown into the river! Can you imagine the scene when a Hebrew boy was born now? The emotions of the room when it was announced that this little bundle of new breath and life was a beautiful boy? The prayers said? The fears? The tears?

I find it interesting we don’t know anything about what the father (also named in Exodus 6:20 – as Amram) did. But we learn Jochebed keeps her boy hidden for 3 months, and then when that becomes impossible – she sets to work preparing a waterproof basket. She will follow the king’s order and put her child in the river – inside of a basket. She has done all she can, she leaves her child in the hands of God. She is our third wise, courageous, and compassionate woman in these passages. She sends her daughter Miriam, our fourth wise, courageous and compassionate woman, to watch over the precious bundle in the basket. I wonder if in all the scenarios (drowning, wild animals, Egyptians) that must have run through their heads if this mother and daughter had envisioned that perhaps it would be Pharaoh’s daughter who would find the basket? And if she were to find the basket – what would her reaction be?

Enter the daughter of Pharaoh. While likely not a believer of the One True God, we can learn a valuable lesson from her as well. Her extremely powerful father had made the decree that ALL HIS PEOPLE (which certainly would include his own flesh and blood offspring) would be responsible to cast Hebrew baby boys into the river. What would she do when she found the crying Hebrew baby boy in the basket in the river? She had compassion on him! She saved him from the river instead of casting him into the river. And thanks to Miriam’s quick-thinking (wisdom from God) and courage she approaches the princess and offers to get a Hebrew nurse to feed the baby. Re-enter Jochebed who not only gets to nurse, cuddle, love on, care for her baby boy (likely for a couple/few years) but is paid to do so by Pharaoh’s own daughter! Wouldn’t you love to have heard the conversations between Pharaoh and his daughter as she explains to him that she has saved a Hebrew baby from the river and she will raise him in the palace! Perhaps this is the first recorded “Daddy’s Girl” in the Bible, able to melt even her dad’s hard heart of stone.

There are so many times in this account when it would have been easy for God’s people (and even the daughter of Pharaoh) to give up. Evil was so real and oppressive. There seemed no safe way out. But, for those courageous people who feared God (rather than fearing men) – who trusted God in all circumstances, and wisely proceeded with a strong and active compassion for life, God had a reward. God saw their needs and provided exactly what they needed when they needed it. And the princess named the boy Moses, and God would use him in mighty ways to free His people.

Reflection Questions

  1. Give some more examples of people who have feared God. What did they do? What did they not do? Do you fear God? If so, how can you show that you fear God? In your case, fearing God well means not being afraid of what?
  2. On whom is God calling you to have compassion?
  3. In what ways was God preparing Moses, and Moses family, for what was coming? Can you think of something in your past that has prepared you for something you have done for God? How might something you are going through now be preparing you for something God wants you to do in your future?

Prayer

Dear God Almighty and Heavenly Father – thank You for both Your power and Your love! Thank you for providing everything we need and so much more. Help us see You at work even when we are in scary situations or evil looms large. Give us the wisdom to fear YOU. Show us what You want us to do and say. I pray for a heart of compassion, even when it requires great courage as well. As these women, and your precious Son demonstrated, help me stand strong with a heart of love and compassion and forever devoted to You. In his name we pray, Amen.

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A Constant Dripping?

Genesis 49 & 50

*Proverbs 25

Matthew 11

Proverbs is such a fun book -chock full of wisdom about so many subjects and issues, including laziness, generosity, enemies, friends, instruction/counsel/rebuke, rich and poor, pride and humility, anger, self-control, words (that’s a big one that comes up over and over again), and quarrelsome, contentious women!

Wait, what are you talking about Solomon?

I love the feel of the Proverbs. Solomon could have just written it like an instruction book:

Women – Don’t be quarrelsome, people don’t like that.

Men – Don’t marry a quarrelsome women, it would become annoying.

But instead, he gives us some delightful analogies in these Proverbs to remember and learn from. If you’ve been reading along in Proverbs, you might remember coming across some of these, including one in today’s Proverbs 25:


Proverbs 19:13 …And the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping.

    Proverbs 21:9 Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

      Proverbs 21:19 Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman.

      Proverbs 25:24 It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman. (Because sometimes saying it once isn’t enough.)

      Proverbs 27:15 A continual dripping on a very rainy day And a contentious woman are alike;

        I know it can be pretty easy to slip into the constant dripping category. We women have opinions and sometimes we are pretty sure our way is the right way. “I wouldn’t have taken this way to the store.” “That kitchen gadget doesn’t go there when you empty the clean dishwasher.” “Eating that isn’t good for you.” Before we know it, our helpful advice is actually not so helpful.

        I want instead to be the excellent, prudent, virtuous, gift from the Lord wife!


        Proverbs 12:4         An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.

        Proverbs 18:22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the Lord.

        Proverbs 19:14 Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the Lord.

        Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.

        Whether you are married or not, man or woman, it is of great value to pay close attention to the words coming out of your own mouth. Instead of being critical, be supportive. Instead of condemnation, try appreciation. Instead of needing to be right (most often about something that does not matter at all), be kind. Instead of sharing your opinion all the time, be quiet and listen.

        Solomon had some wise advice for us all regarding our words, too. Here’s just two of my favorites.

        Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

        Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.

          Reflection Questions

          1. Do a quick look up of the word “word” in Proverbs. What do you find that would be helpful to remember? Where will you put it to remember it? What other word(s) would you like to look up in Proverbs to see Solomon’s advice?
          2. Our other readings today have some more helpful examples, both positive and negative, for the use of our words. What do you see in Genesis 50:19-21 and in Matthew 11:18-19? How can we keep from having a critical spirit (and mouth) that finds fault with others? How can we offer true forgiveness even when we have been wronged?
          3. What have you said recently that would have been best left unsaid, or said a different way? When in that situation again, what do you want to do?

          Prayer

          Dear God, I thank you for the wisdom You gave Solomon that has been saved and preserved and is still so valuable for me today. Help me to seek Your wisdom and apply it daily in my life and in my words and in my attitudes and relationships with others, including those who are closest to me. I confess that some days I might sound like the constant dripping. Help me honestly see and hear myself and make corrections, so my words are pleasant and bring life.

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          Not Them, But God

          *Genesis 45-46

          Proverbs 23

          Matthew 10

          Devotion by Marcia Railton (IN)

          Two days ago we posted a devotion titled “Not Me, But God” as we were discussing Joseph’s humble and truthful reply to Pharaoh who was seeking someone to interpret his dreams (Genesis 41:16). God did indeed give the answer through Joseph – the dreams meant there would be 7 years of abundant crops followed by 7 years of famine. After giving the interpretation, Joseph – the man who had spent the last 13 years of his life as a servant or a prisoner in a foreign land – stood before Pharaoh suggesting he choose a discerning and wise man to help lead the country through the next 14 years. Pharaoh wisely chose the one man who had been able to interpret his dreams, because in Joseph he saw the Spirit of God, and that is what to look for in a leader. How’s that for being at the right place, at the right time, for the right purpose, with the right spirit. It wasn’t coincidence. It was God. God had sent the dreams, the servant/prisoner from Canaan, the memory of the cupbearer, and the interpretation, at just the right time – and Joseph was saved from prison and also, Egypt would be prepared for the coming famine.

          Today’s reading in Genesis 45 takes place about 9 years later, after 7 years of abundant crops in Egypt during which time Joseph had collected lots and lots of grain, and then, came the famine. It hit hard and not just in Egypt. But Egypt was prepared because of God’s guidance and providence and Joseph’s leadership. Meanwhile, back in Canaan Joseph’s father Jacob (also called Israel) had sent his sons to Egypt to get grain. Remember these are the jealous, hateful, conniving brothers of Joseph who had nearly killed him but instead threw him in the pit and sold him as a slave all those years ago, and had deceived their father into thinking that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal.

          It is in chapter 45 that Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers after they have come twice to Egypt to get grain. It would be so easy to harbor anger and resentment toward the brothers who did such evil against you. And now Joseph was in a position to really get back at them and make them pay. He had the power and authority to have them killed, imprisoned for life, or whatever he wanted. So what did Joseph want?

           Joseph said to his brothers: “But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6 For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. 7 And God sent me before you to preserve a [a]posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8 So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.” (Genesis 45:5-8 NKJV)

          He wasn’t looking for revenge. He wanted reconciliation.

          He didn’t even want them to feel guilty! He wanted them to see God!

          What an example Joseph sets for us. We all find ourselves in positions we don’t want to be in. It is easy to become bitter and hard hearted. We see injustice and we are wronged, sometimes in petty ways, sometimes in major ways. It is all too easy to blame and to hold grudges. We want to see them pay.

          But Joseph shows us a better way. A way that Jesus will teach us about – loving your enemy, even when they are your brother as well. A way that Paul will write about in 1 Corinthians 13: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

          8 Love never fails.

          But Joseph wasn’t JUST loving – he was also seeing God at work. He saw how God was putting the pieces in place.

          He was giving all glory and honor to God – not taking credit for the good that was done. Not me, but God.

          He didn’t see evil done against him by man. He saw a saving God arranging pieces of deliverance and salvation. Not them, but God.

          He didn’t see wasted years. He saw growth in hard places. He saw God preparing a man with His Spirit. As a brother in a pit he was learning to rely on God not on people. As a servant he was learning how to run a household. As a prisoner he was learning how to run a government entity. He was learning to see God at work. He saw he was never alone. God was with him and God was at work. God was at work saving not only a person who had been mistreated, not just a dysfunctional family, but God was saving nations and creating a people for Himself.

          And when people looked at Joseph – they saw the Spirit of God.

          Reflection Questions:

          1. If Joseph were to write an autobiography what might he title it? What might Joseph want us to learn from his experience?
          2. In what hard places have you found yourself? Have you allowed yourself to become bitter or better through the experiences? How might God have been (or is currently) preparing you for what comes next?
          3. Are you currently holding grudges or wanting revenge for anything man has done against you? What would be a better way? How would you go about this change?
          4. Do you see God at work? How can you be God’s instrument in His business of saving people?

          Prayer

          Dear Heavenly Father, I am in awe of You. You are the Creator of life and of saving plans and of turning what man meant for evil into something good. You do not abandon Your people in hard places, but You work with them, filling them with Your Spirit and preparing them for the saving job You have for them to do. Forgive me of the times I wanted revenge or felt ill will towards those who have hurt me. Help me instead to focus on loving others and seeing You at work. Help me, Lord God, to be faithful and effective to do whatever saving jobs you have prepared me to do today and every day to come. I want to be Yours. I want Your Spirit in me.

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          Not Me, but God

          *Genesis 41-42

          Proverbs 21

          Matthew 9

          Devotion by Marcia Railton (IN)

          Have you ever been stuck in a difficult place? Feeling forgotten? Waiting for justice that doesn’t come?

          That’s where Joseph was – again. The favored, pampered son of Jacob had been thrown into a pit by his brothers. Then sold by same said brothers. He becomes a slave in Egypt, far from home. Then falsely accused and thrown into prison. He had received a glimmer of hope of being remembered and saved, but two years later he was still a prisoner. Stuck. Forgotten. Unfair.

          And then comes the call. Pharaoh is calling for the prisoner! Quick. Clean-up. Shave. Change clothes. Enter – Joseph.

          I wonder if Joseph had played a similar scene in his mind many times over as he was waiting. Did he have dreams of being remembered? Was he still remembering his childhood dreams of his family bowing down to him, and wondering? Was this now finally his long awaited chance to shine? Would he be angry and resentful over the way he had been mistreated again and again? Would he lash out at the world?

          Pharaoh explains to Joseph why he was called up out of prison. Can Joseph interpret the dream that no one else can? I love his reply: “So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, ‘It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.'” (Genesis 41:16 NKJV) I don’t hear even a hint of anger, self-righteousness, resentment or giving up. Just humble truth. Not me, but God. Still relying on God. Not me, but God.

          God was with him in his father’s house. God was with him in the pit. God was with him in his master’s home. God was with him in the prison. God was with him in the Pharaoh’s palace. God was with Joseph. Joseph was not forgotten. And Joseph did not forget God.

          When you are stuck and feeling forgotten. Don’t forget God. It might take some time. Your circumstances might not change how or when you want or expect. You might face the pit or prison or both, and it won’t be fair. But you won’t be alone. It is recorded that just before Joseph was thrown into the pit he was 17 years old. When he stood before Pharaoh he was 30 years old. Those weren’t lost times in between. God was with Joseph. And Joseph did not forget God.

          Reflection Questions

          1. What characteristics do you see in Joseph that you would like to see in yourself?
          2. In what difficult times have you experienced God with you?
          3. When and how can you respond, “Not me, but God will…”?

          Prayer

          Dear Almighty, I thank you for not forgetting me. Thank you for being with me – on what looks like great days and what looks like difficult days. Help me to see You and Your loving care through each and every day. Thank you for using people to do things they could never do without you. Show me what you want me to say and do with Your knowledge, wisdom and words. Give me a faithful, patient, humble, true heart that gives all honor and credit and praise to You.

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          Jesus Lives the Sermon on the Mount

          Genesis 39-40

          Proverbs 20

          Matthew 9

          -Devotion by Marcia Railton (IN)

          The Jesus who taught us so much in the Sermon on the Mount is now showing us what that Think Again sermon looks like in action. In yesterday’s reading of Matthew 8 he was TOUCHING a leper, and healing a SERVANT with his words (and not just any man’s servant, but the servant of a Roman centurion). How’s that for blessing the meek servant and loving your enemy – no Jew liked the occupying Roman centurions!

          In Matthew 9 Jesus continues living out the Sermon on the Mount, and it raises a lot of questions from those who thought they knew what God’s people were supposed to do and not do.

          Jesus meets a paralytic who is brought to him. This appears to be the same event recorded in Luke 5:18-26 where the friends make a hole in the roof to lower their buddy into the house because of the large curious crowd around Jesus. This account doesn’t tell of the hole in the roof but simply says, “When Jesus saw their faith…”. Faith is a thing to be seen. It is not just words telling what you believe or even why you believe it. The paralytic would have been no better off to merely hear his friends say they believed there was a man who could heal him. It was faith that made them carry their friend to the house. Their faith was shown when they didn’t give up when the way was blocked, but they carried him up to the roof and made a hole large enough to lower him and his bed (or mat) down.

          Jesus surprises people with what he does next. The man obviously needs healing – anyone can see that, that is why his friends went to all this trouble. But instead, Jesus gives him forgiveness from his sins! Jesus knows that man’s greatest need isn’t to have a physical body free of sickness and pain and limitations. Our greatest need is to be reconciled toward God – and that is why God sent His Son, to not only tell us, but show us, and offer us forgiveness from God, His Father.

          Jesus could tell the scribes were confused and angry. They jumped to the incorrect conclusion that Jesus must be blaspheming and claiming to be God in order to forgive sins. But Jesus proves that he, the Son of Man, has the authority from God to forgive sins by then also healing the paralyzed man.

          I love how Matthew sets the record straight. “Now when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men.” (Matthew 9:8) Plain and simple – God gave this power to men, to the Son of Man. Be watching throughout the gospels. Who does Jesus say he is? How does he live out the Sermon on the Mount? Who is confused and accusing Jesus? What does God want us to know about Jesus today?

          Reflection Questions

          1. How are you showing your faith – with actions? In what creative ways can you show your faith by working at getting your friends in need to Jesus?
          2. What happens when we just use our words, not our actions? What happens when we give up too easily?
          3. In Matthew 9 how do you see Jesus living out the Sermon on the Mount? Pick a section or verse from the Sermon on the Mount and decide how you will put it into action today.
          4. What is your current understanding of who Jesus is? What was wrong with the scribes thinking? How was Matthew right?

          Prayer

          Dear God, I thank you for the gift of your Son who teaches us with his words and his actions. I pray for Your wisdom as I read Your words. Help me see more and more clearly who Jesus is, what he taught and what You desire from me. May I see the needs around me and work (without giving up) at bringing my friends to Jesus. Thank you for Your forgiveness of my sins. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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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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          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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          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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