Tag: Talon Paul

How Long, Lord?

Old Testament: Jeremiah 19 & 20

Poetry: Proverbs 13 & today’s devotion on Psalm 13

New Testament: 1 Peter 5

I am not a very patient person, and I don’t believe we are very patient people sometimes, especially in America. We want instant gratification for our efforts and results for all of our hard work. If you don’t believe me, let me ask you a simple question: “How long are you willing to wait in the McDonald’s drive-thru?” If we are being honest, if we have to wait any longer than 5 minutes for fast food, we are getting a little frustrated. If we are approaching 10 minutes, we consider new options that will be faster. We want what we want now, and we don’t want to wait to receive it.

However, there are many times in life when patience is required. That is the case for the Psalmist in Psalm 13, who is crying out to God, “How long?” The Psalmist is struggling with something or someone and feels like God is blatantly ignoring him. He demands that God come and answer him for his sorrows, or he might as well die (similar to Job’s story in the previous book). The Psalmist doesn’t want to wait for God to answer; he wants an answer now. But he ultimately trusts that God will be good to him, despite what is happening (verse 5-6). Even though he doesn’t get an answer, the Psalmist rejoices that God is still good above all else.

I had a friend from Kenya named Grace that would always tell me not to worry, because God is still good. She was with me in central Atlanta when a head-gasket blew on my car and I said some not-so-good words in frustration. I was fuming mad, unsure of how I was going to get back to my apartment a half-hour away. Yet, she turned to me in my anger and said, “God is still good”, creating a sense of peace in this moment of discouragement. (A tow truck showed up shortly afterwards to help us move my car back to McDonough). Although I felt like God was either punishing me for something, or simply ignoring my predicament, I had peace thanks to a good friend who reminded me of what the Psalmist knew: God is still good. Brothers and sisters, although you may be struggling right now and facing some difficult circumstances, we can still rejoice in knowing that our God is still good. We need to make it a priority to “cast all of our anxiety on Him” (1 Peter 5:7), and simply trust that He will deal bountifully with us. Will you put your trust in God’s goodness today, despite your circumstances?

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. What do you remember waiting for, for a long time? Was the waiting worth it in the end? How patient were you while you were waiting?
  2. Have you ever felt forgotten by God? Why might the Lord make us wait?
  3. In what ways can we share the message that God is still good – even when we are waiting?
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Voice of Truth

Old Testament: Jeremiah 17 & 18

Poetry: Proverbs 12 and today’s Devotion on Psalm 12

New Testament: 1 Peter 4

One of my favorite Christian songs of all time is “Voice of Truth” by Casting Crowns. In this song, the band talks about choosing to listen to the voice of Jesus out of all the different voices calling out to them. Although those voices keep laughing at us, reminding us of all the times we’ve failed before, and saying that we will never be enough, Jesus says something different. Jesus tells us that we are strong with his God, that we are forgiven, and that we don’t need to be afraid. Everything that happens to us is only for his glory and the glory of his God, and we just need to listen to what he says.

Psalm 12 talks about two different voices that are shouting at King David: the wicked who flatter themselves and destroy God’s people, and the pure voice of the one true God that is like silver. King David stands in the middle and must make a choice: will he listen to voices of wicked, powerful forces that tear him down, or the voice of God that promises to preserve and keep him forever (verse 7)? King David makes the right call and follows after God’s voice, resulting in him being saved from those forces surrounding him (verse 5).

We also have a choice to make: what voice is shouting loudest at you? There are many voices around you that will claim that you are not good enough, are a failure, are ugly, or worthless. Every single person has these voices surrounding them, sometimes coming from mean people or from ourselves. However, our God through Jesus tells us that we are precious, worthy, and loved. There is nothing that will be able to separate us from God’s love in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:38-39), if we will just listen and trust in that great voice over the others. We can have rest, assurance, peace, and joy if we listen to the voice saying, “You’re my son/daughter: I love YOU”.

Brothers and sisters, you are more loved than you can imagine. Although you have people saying horrible things about you, and may be saying horrible things to yourself, you are a child of the one true God: you have value, purpose, and a family. Please find hope and encouragement today in knowing that this Voice is greater than all the rest and speaks the truth.

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. What lies about yourself have you heard, and sometimes believed, from others or from yourself? Why are they wrong? Why are they harmful?
  2. What does God say about you and His love? What is Jesus’ role in sharing God’s love and truth?
  3. How can you listen LESS to the lies and MORE to the truth?
  4. How can you help carry God’s words of truth and worth to those who are listening to lies?
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The Lord’s Tests

Old Testament: Jeremiah 15 & 16

Poetry: Proverbs 11

New Testament: 1 Peter 3

And – here’s today’s devotion on Psalm 11

In school, I admittedly was never good about doing my homework. In fact, I could probably count on my hand how many assignments I got done at home while in high school. However, I felt confident enough in making up the lost points from a class when it came to the final tests given. I did fairly decently when it came time for testing, so I always felt justified in “slacking off” from my duties of homework. I mean, it was only 5% of my grade anyways, so why should I care about an insignificant grade?

God also tests us, but this testing isn’t a “one-time” thing; His testing stretches across our entire lifetime. And unlike a test in school, every “homework assignment” given to us in this life does count as part of the test. Psalm 11 tells us that “the LORD tests the righteous and the wicked” (verse 5), meaning that everyone is facing this test during their lifetime, being judged by how we respond in every situation. We cannot afford to “slack off” on any assignment that we are tasked with, but must do our best to do what is right in every situation, because God loves righteous deeds (verse 7).

Thankfully, we have a wonderful example of what we are supposed to do in every situation: Jesus. Although we should never “copy” another student’s answers in school, we can and are expected to copy what Jesus does. He has given us every answer that we need to “pass” this ultimate test of God’s: it’s our job to simply obey, and do that over and over again. Like Jesus, we must seek to do right in every situation, so that God will grant us the greatest grade you’ll ever receive, which ironically involves the missing letter of any grading scale in school: an E+ (eternal life).

Brothers and sisters, we cannot afford to slack off in any situation, but must always be ready to give an answer for the hope within us (1 Peter 3:15), and always be ready to do the right thing. What will you do today to copy Jesus’ example?

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you often remember that God is observing the whole earth – including you? What would He have recently seen from you that might not help your eternal grade? What could you have done instead that would have been copying Jesus’ perfect example?
  2. Do you often remember that you will receive an eternal grade? Does that make it easier or harder to choose to seek to do what is right?
  3. When the Lord examines you today what will He see?
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When Life is Unfair

Old Testament: Jeremiah 13 & 14

Poetry: Proverbs 10 and/or Psalm 10

New Testament: 1 Peter 2

Does life ever seem unfair? Why does it seem like the people who are trying their hardest to do the “right thing” often face the greatest difficulties? Is it worth it to continue on the path you’re following, when it seems like you can never get ahead?

My wife and I had to ask ourselves these questions a couple years ago, as we were faced with the possibility of never having children of our own. We watched multiple individuals who were having child after child and living in very sinful conditions, and yet, we had been going to church faithfully, giving financially to God’s ministries, and trying our hardest to be holy. “Why should they be parents and not us?” Everything seemed unfair and out of order, and we had a very difficult time answering these questions honestly. Our faith and trust in God wavered sometimes, questioning why things are the way that they are.

Some of you may have felt this way too in your own way. “Everyone else seems to be successful except for me: why is God not blessing my efforts?” Thankfully, these questions are not new, but are ancient; we see them asked by the author of Psalm 10. He is calling for God to answer the questions we are asking today, about why the wicked seem to prosper when God’s people are suffering. What is amazing about this Psalm is that God doesn’t answer the author: he comes to his senses on his own, resting in the truth that God is King forever and will eventually take care of His people forever (verse 16-18). Knowing this truth about who our God is leads us out of the darkness of doubt, and into the glory of rest in His promises.

Brothers and sisters, this life was never meant to be “fair”; you will suffer, struggle, and feel like God isn’t listening to you. However, Jesus went through much worse than we can imagine, and God vindicated him by raising him from the dead (1 Peter 2:21-25). We were called to follow his example in suffering for good, but will eventually receive the reward of eternal life when he returns, just like he did. Although there are difficulties now, they cannot compare with the glory that’s to come in God’s Kingdom (Romans 8:18). If you are having a rough time right now, find some peace in knowing that Jesus understands your struggle and God will reward you in the end for your steadfast patience. Don’t give up; things are going to get better.

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you struggled with an unfair life and perhaps doubted God’s goodness and power?
  2. When that happens how can we be reminded of God’s promises?
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Arise, Lord!

Old Testament: Jeremiah 11 & 12

Poetry: Proverbs 9

New Testament: 1 Peter 1

And, since there is never a wrong Bible passage to read and discuss on any given day, today’s devotion will be over Psalm 9.

For quite some time, the headlines of news reports have involved some form of injustice taking place in the world. Human trafficking is finally getting the attention needed to address the problem, but it is still very much an epidemic that needs to be solved. Racial discrimination has received national attention for various reasons, and is one that Christians who believe that we are “all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28) take very seriously. Poverty in many third-world countries (and some first-world countries) remains a constant issue that governments have been unable to correct. For all the wrong done in this world, and has gone wrong since mankind fell in the Garden, there is an ultimate answer to put our hope in: our heavenly Father’s justice.

Our reading in Psalm 9 today tells us what God is going to do when the end of this age comes: judge the world in righteousness (v. 7-9). When our heavenly Father intervenes in the last days, He is going to do something about the injustices that many suffer from. He is going to favor those who have been oppressed, those who were powerless to do anything, and those who are the poorest among us. This tells us that our heavenly Father values each and every person on earth, seeing the injustice that they suffer from as a personal attack on what He has created. Every individual on earth is made in His image (Genesis 1:26-28), and they should be treated as such by our leading figures, and especially by us as followers of Jesus Christ.

There is a warning here in this passage: you don’t want to be on the other side of the Great Judgment coming in the end. Those who are the oppressors and abusers should take heed; they are in serious danger if they don’t change and repent. This should strike a healthy amount of fear into our hearts, if we have people around us who we have wronged (v. 20). Jesus warns us that we need to reconcile differences with others before the End comes, or we have some dangerous things waiting for us (Matthew 5:21-26).

Brothers and sisters, let today be a challenge to you to do two things: reconcile with anyone you may have wronged, and stand up for those who are being unjustly oppressed. It could be as simple as a classmate who is being bullied; stand up for them and help them. It could be a co-worker that is being treated unfairly by a boss; stand up for them and help them. Because when we help the “least of these”, we are ultimately helping Jesus (Matthew 25:40).

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. How important is justice to you? How have you and can you be a part of seeking justice for the oppressed? How important is justice to God? How has He and will He show His righteous justice?
  2. Prayerfully consider who you need to reconcile with and then do it.
  3. This devotion was written before the events of this past weekend – the attacks on Israel. How does it relate and what are your thoughts and feelings after reading Psalm 9? Pray for Israel and for God’s intervention and righteous judgment. Come, Lord Jesus, Come and do the work your Father has prepared for you.
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Press Pause

Old Testament: Jeremiah 9 & 10

Poetry: Proverbs 8

New Testament: 1st & 2nd Peter Intro – see below

(First of all, let me say there is NEVER a “wrong” passage of the Bible to read or write about on ANY day or week of the year. Secondly, let me say that the Bible reading plan layout is not the easiest to follow – as the books are not always in order and we jump back and forth between Psalms and Proverbs. Thirdly, let me say this week you are welcome to be reading Psalms or Proverbs or both – and our devotions will be coming from the book of Psalms, so here is today’s on Psalm 8. – Thank you for reading – Marcia Railton)

One of my favorite vacation destinations has been the Black Hills of western South Dakota. Our family had the privilege of going there this summer, and when you are out there in those mountains, you feel so tiny. Growing up in Illinois and now living in Indiana, we don’t usually see very high heights: but out there, you realize just how very insignificant we are. As you drive higher and higher up the mountain to where Mount Rushmore sits, and then drive down hair-pin turns on Needles Highway, all you can do is stand in awe of God’s wonderful creation (if you’ve never had the chance to visit, I’d really encourage you to make the effort).

Psalm 8 reflects the same feelings that I had in South Dakota: when we look at all that God has created, we seem so tiny and insignificant. When we look up at the stars, considering all the galaxies and planets that God has made, how important can we really be? Does our life really matter? It seems impossible that the God who created everything around us would care about “little ol’ me”… and yet, He is deeply moved by humanity. In fact, He even sets us up as royalty over the earth! In the original command of Genesis, God’s purpose for you and I was to rule over this planet (Genesis 1:26-28). We were designed to be kings and queens, ruling hand-in-hand with our Creator to bring about blessing to this world.

This Psalm communicates many things to us, but I want to highlight just two. First, we should slow down our lives to really reflect on God’s creation. When was the last time that you just stopped and looked up at the stars? Or slowed down your busy schedule to look at the birds chirping outside your window? Only by pausing our lives can we appreciate what God has done for us. Only by stepping back, realizing that the world doesn’t revolve around us and what we accomplish, do we find true peace and meaning for our lives. I want to encourage you today: press “Pause” and enjoy what God has made (it sounds a little like Sabbath, doesn’t it?).

Secondly, remember that you are valuable and that God loves you deeply. Out of all that God has made in the universe, He still thought it was incomplete without one of YOU. He thought you were precious enough to create, and you are. You have a purpose in this life and you matter. Rest and rejoice today, knowing that God really does care about you.

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. What do you marvel at about God’s creation?
  2. What benefit do you find in pushing pause to remember God’s creation and all He has done for you? How can you remember to do it more and even build time into your schedule to do so?
  3. What does it mean to you that such a huge, impressive God of creation created and loves you, too? How will you show your praise and thanks and response?

1st & 2nd Peter Introduction

The books of First and Second Peter were written by the apostle Peter.  The two main points of First Peter were:  1) the importance of believers to bear up under the pain of unjust suffering, and 2) the importance of living a holy life.  The main points of Second Peter were 1) to address false teachings, and 2) to be prepared for Jesus’ return.

Some well known passages include:

1 Peter 2:2-3, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

1 Peter 2:19, “For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.”

1 Peter 3:15, “…Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect…”

1 Peter 4:7-8, “The end of all things is near.  Therefore be clear minded and self controlled so that you can pray.  Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

1 Peter 4:12, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.”

1 Peter 4:18, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

1 Peter 5:6-8, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.  Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

2 Peter 1:21, “For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

2 Peter 2:9, “…the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.”

2 Peter 3:13, “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.”

-Steve Mattison

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This Only Do I Seek

Old Testament Reading: Genesis 49 & 50

Psalms Reading: Psalm 27

New Testament Reading: Matthew 26

(Sorry, if you didn’t receive this earlier today – it seems to have appeared on wordpress and facebook this morning, but not to the email list…Or, sorry if you DID receive it earlier this morning and this is now a repeat.)

If you could have anything in the world, what would it be?


For some of you, the answer might be a trip to a neat destination (Ireland seems pretty awesome). For others, it might be to finally marry that person of your dreams. Maybe you would ask to have children one day, or for your current children to have successful lives. If you’re in some financial difficulty, like so many are, maybe you’d wish to just be debt-free. None of those things are bad of course! However, they aren’t the most important thing; and thankfully, you don’t need to have a magic genie in a bottle to acquire the most important thing. It is readily available to each and every believer right now.


In Psalm 27, the author (likely not David due to his references to the Temple) states that the only desire he is seeking after is to be in the presence of YHWH in His holy temple. For the author, God’s presence was the most precious gift one could ask for; it surpassed all the greatness to be found on earth. For in God’s presence, one can finally be at rest and peace (see Psalm 23), and receive the forgiveness of sins that all of us long for (see Psalm 25). Being in God’s presence is everything; and thankfully, it is readily available to us.


In the New Testament, Jesus says that “wherever two or three are gathered in my name, I am there in their midst” (Matthew 18:20), and wherever Jesus is found, God’s presence is found, too (see John 1:14; 14:9). If you truly want to experience God’s presence today, the greatest gift that you could ever experience in this life, it is available with other believers. When we gather together to worship, to serve, or even to eat a meal, the presence of God is there. We feel closest to God when we are surrounded by our brothers and sisters in the faith, gathering together in Jesus’ name. And while you can pray to God in private by yourself, you will never experience His powerful glory if you remain alone; we need to prioritize time together as believers (Hebrews 10:25). We were not designed to be alone (Genesis 2:18), but to enjoy fellowship with each other.

Brothers and sisters, come and join with your fellow Christians today and this week. There is no greater gift on earth than what you can experience there.

-Talon Paul

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

  1. What verse from Psalm 27 would be a good one to have on your refrigerator and in your heart this week? Make it so.
  2. What are the benefits of being together with your Christian brothers and sisters? List as many as you can. In what ways can you make more opportunities and time to do this more and more?
  3. What do you learn of God in your reading today?
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This Only Do I Seek

Old Testament Reading: Genesis 49 & 50

Psalms Reading: Psalm 27

New Testament Reading: Matthew 26

If you could have anything in the world, what would it be?


For some of you, the answer might be a trip to a neat destination (Ireland seems pretty awesome). For others, it might be to finally marry that person of your dreams. Maybe you would ask to have children one day, or for your current children to have successful lives. If you’re in some financial difficulty, like so many are, maybe you’d wish to just be debt-free. None of those things are bad of course! However, they aren’t the most important thing; and thankfully, you don’t need to have a magic genie in a bottle to acquire the most important thing. It is readily available to each and every believer right now.


In Psalm 27, the author (likely not David due to his references to the Temple) states that the only desire he is seeking after is to be in the presence of YHWH in His holy temple. For the author, God’s presence was the most precious gift one could ask for; it surpassed all the greatness to be found on earth. For in God’s presence, one can finally be at rest and peace (see Psalm 23), and receive the forgiveness of sins that all of us long for (see Psalm 25). Being in God’s presence is everything; and thankfully, it is readily available to us.


In the New Testament, Jesus says that “wherever two or three are gathered in my name, I am there in their midst” (Matthew 18:20), and wherever Jesus is found, God’s presence is found, too (see John 1:14; 14:9). If you truly want to experience God’s presence today, the greatest gift that you could ever experience in this life, it is available with other believers. When we gather together to worship, to serve, or even to eat a meal, the presence of God is there. We feel closest to God when we are surrounded by our brothers and sisters in the faith, gathering together in Jesus’ name. And while you can pray to God in private by yourself, you will never experience His powerful glory if you remain alone; we need to prioritize time together as believers (Hebrews 10:25). We were not designed to be alone (Genesis 2:18), but to enjoy fellowship with each other.

Brothers and sisters, come and join with your fellow Christians today and this week. There is no greater gift on earth than what you can experience there.

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. What verse from Psalm 27 would be a good one to have on your refrigerator and in your heart this week? Make it so.
  2. What are the benefits of being together with your Christian brothers and sisters? List as many as you can. In what ways can you make more opportunities and time to do this more and more?
  3. What do you learn of God in your reading today?
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Put IT to Work

Old Testament Reading: Genesis 47 & 48

Psalms Reading: Psalm 26

New Testament Reading: Matthew 25

In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells a parable about a man who entrusts his money to three of his servants while he is away. They each receive a different amount of wealth: 10, 5, and 1. The master doesn’t instruct them on what to do with it; he simply leaves it in their possession and takes off. The first two double their money: the 10 now having 20, and the 5 now at 10. However, the servant who only had 1 chose not to risk losing it; he chose to bury it in the ground so that his master wouldn’t be upset with him. He was terrified of what his master might do to him if he was to lose his one and only amount of money. Unfortunately for him, this was the wrong choice and he was punished for it, because he could have made at least a little amount from it at the bank.


The parable is revealing of our Christian walk as well. Our Master, Jesus, has entrusted us with different things in this life to use and bring others to saving faith. Some of us have more money and opportunities than others, but every single one of us has been entrusted with something. You might have money, people, a position at work or school, a certain hobby, physical health, or a variety of different gifts. Jesus expects us to use whatever we have been given for the sake of the Kingdom of God. He doesn’t want us to waste it, and honors it when we give it a shot (did you notice that both of those who tried doubled their investment?). When we choose not to make an attempt, we are operating out of fear, which is the opposite of what Jesus and God empowers us with (2 Timothy 1:7).


What have you been entrusted with by your Master? Take some time to write down what skills, people, and possessions you have been given in a column on a piece of paper. How can you use that to further the gospel message of the Kingdom? Take some time to brainstorm and write down in a separate column next to that first list any ideas that come to mind.


You’ve been given something; don’t waste it. And Jesus is with you always through the process, so don’t fear anything (Matthew 28:20)

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. Take some time to create your two columns: What have you been entrusted with by your Master? and How can you use that to further the gospel message of the Kingdom? Return to it throughout the weekend with more thoughts. What have you been given that you never considered using to spread the good news of the Kingdom?
  2. Has fear stopped you from using your talents? What should we be most fearful of (men, what others think, what if I mess up – or – what will happen when the Master returns)?
  3. What can we learn from the other two parables in Matthew 25?
  4. What do we learn of God and His Son Jesus in our reading today?
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And then The End will Come

Old Testament Reading: Genesis 45 & 46

Psalms Reading: Psalm 25

New Testament Reading: Matthew 24

I am practically lost without an instruction manual. I have relied on instruction manuals for everything, from constructing Legos and Bionicles when I was young (does anyone remember those?), to building cheap furniture from the department store. Instruction manuals bring order to the chaos; they provide a clear path forward to your desired goal. I admire people that can “wing it” and still accomplish their task without a set of instructions; I am not one of those gifted people. However, I believe that instruction manuals are a good analogy for our Christian life and purpose moving forward; after all, Jesus gave us clear instructions too.


In Matthew 24, we find one of the most interesting and debated texts in the entire Bible. There are details that depict what is going to happen when the city of Jerusalem is conquered by Rome in 70 AD, and there are details about when Jesus will come again on the clouds of heaven to establish the Kingdom of God. Books on top of books have been written about this passage, and its parallels in Mark and Luke; however, not enough has been said about the practical instructions Jesus gives to us here among all the chaotic images described. In verse 14, we are told that, in the midst of all the craziness, we Christians have one job: to share the gospel of the kingdom to the whole world. In fact, Jesus tells us that he will not return until this job has been accomplished.


Brothers and sisters, the greatest contribution you can make in this life is telling someone else about God’s coming kingdom. It is in this message that true salvation is found. It is in this message that God will redeem humanity and the earth. It is in this message that your sins can be forgiven. This message needs to be shared not just in other countries, but with your friend, your neighbor, and everyone else in your life. This is our only mission in life as Christians before Jesus comes back: let’s follow the Great Instruction Manual given by Jesus by sharing the same message that he shared (Luke 4:43). You can truly save a life.

-Talon Paul

Reflection Questions

  1. What are your thoughts and feelings as you read Matthew 24? In your opinion, what is the best part of the chapter? What do you find of great value?
  2. Reading through Matthew 24 what instructions, warnings and promptings do you find from Jesus?
  3. What are you doing to share the good news of the coming Kingdom? What might Jesus like to see you doing this month that you haven’t already been doing?
  4. What did God reveal about Himself today in your reading of His words?
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