“One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” Luke 17:15 (NLT)

Luke 17: 11-19 tells the time Jesus was traveling and entered a village when ten lepers approached him. They begged Jesus to have mercy on them.

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘Go, show yourselves to the priests.’” Luke 17: 14 NLT.

 As they went on their way, the Bible tells us they were cleansed.

While it is interesting to note they were not immediately healed upon their first petition, it is clear healing began the minute they encountered Jesus. Ultimately, all ten were healed, however only one of the men came back to thank Jesus. Not only did one come back, but the passage tells us he shouted his thanks and fell on his face at Jesus’ feet.

What happened to the other nine? Were they upset the healing wasn’t instant? Were they disappointed they had to go and show themselves to the priests? Maybe being cleansed wasn’t enough. They wanted more! Perhaps they, like many of us, simply forgot they asked Jesus for help, therefore forgot to thank Him. How many times have your prayers been answered, and you forgot to circle back and thank God?

We don’t know for sure, but we do know Jesus was not thanked for healing the nine. It is hard to condemn the nine lepers when I think of the many times I have forgotten to thank God when He promptly answered prayers and the many times I am not satisfied with His provision and want more!

I pray for healing for myself or others. I beseech God to help me or a friend or family member out of a situation. I beg for grace or cleansing. Time goes by, and sometimes I forget I asked. Sometimes when the answer doesn’t come immediately or the way I expect, it is out of my head. Not only do I forget to thank God, often, I find myself asking for more!

I remember a time when our third daughter, Riley, was just learning to talk. Her vocabulary was still limited, but she could convey her needs quite clearly. One morning I had to help with a project at our older daughters’ school. Riley had to come with me, and in my rush to get all of us to the school she missed a complete breakfast. My meetings went longer than expected, and I neglected to pack snacks to hold her over until lunch. Over and over she said, “Eat!” “Eat!” Unfortunately, I didn’t have my purse so I didn’t have cash.

I remembered my sentimental silver 50-cent piece. Years before, my father had given it to me, and I kept it tucked away in a special compartment in my car. As I vacillated between parting with my beloved possession and my beloved daughter’s wellbeing, I reluctantly decided I had no choice but to spend my 50-cent piece on a package of crackers!

Riley was satisfied and while she didn’t quite have the words to thank me, I knew she was grateful. That is until half way through her first cracker, the next word came out of her full mouth, “Juice!” “Juice!”

Like my daughter, why am I always asking for more? Why do I forget to be thankful? Why can’t I be satisfied and grateful for the abundant blessings God has provided?

My desire is to be like the man who shouts my thanks and falls on my face at Jesus’ feet! I pray I will be mindful of the psalmist’s words,

“Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are His. We are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name.” Psalm 100: 3-4 NLT

 

The Corinthian Man-Creed

by Shawn McEvoy, crosswalk.com

Be on your guard, stand firm in faith, be men of courage, be strong; do everything in love. – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Today’s verse hangs on a board on the wall of my son. But years ago, long before my son was even an inkling, I came across that verse as I was sending my own father one of many letters I composed over the years to share with him the importance of salvation, and the value of life in Christ. My sister, mother, and I came to know the Lord in 1980, but it took another 17 years, seven months, and 26 days worth of praying, heart softening, and brokenness for Dan McEvoy to surrender.

And it wasn’t this letter or the above verse that pushed him into it. No, this letter I was writing simply to tell him how blessed I was to have begun dating a woman (who eventually became my wife) for whom faith came first, and I was giving God all the glory and credit and all that good stuff, and probably telling him how God delights in blessing those who trust in Him.

With the letter I enclosed a quick-and-dirty page of graphic art involving the aforementioned verse from Corinthians in some fancy font, with a clip-art picture of a sailboat, kind of as a visual aid to my letter, indicating, I suppose, what it was like for the man of God to live in this world under the Captaincy of Christ.

Well, so. After he died in 2001, I found that letter and piece of “art” in my father’s desk, looking as if it had been read and glanced at often. Something in me knew then that if I were ever to have a son, I’d commit to raising him to manhood under these same five principles:

• Be on your guard. Be ready, be alert. Expect God to be involved, expect Satan to attack. Let the wonder of creation still catch your eye.
• Stand firm in faith. Be unmoved because you know intimately that of which you believe in. Become biblically literate.
• Be a man of courage. Fear is not from God (2 Timothy 1:7), so go your way boldly. The worst that can happen – even death – still ends in victory and glory for the Christian.
• Be strong. Physically, yes, let’s take care of ourselves, and present our bodies as holy. But remember that the Lord is the strength of the strong (Ephesians 6:10), and that “when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
• Do everything in love. Here’s your motivation, because he that doesn’t love doesn’t know God (1 John 4:8), and the world shall know you by your love (John 13:35).

So when Jordan was born, and we had the dedication service at our church, that’s the verse we selected to have read. When he was about two-and-a-half, he started reciting it by memory and making up arm/hand motions to go with it. We call it our “Man-Creed.”

But here’s the secret: these couple verses from the closing of Paul’s first letter to Corinth aren’t first-and-foremost for Jordan… they’re for me.

When I first realized that, it caught me, ironically enough, “off my guard.” I had been more than happy to tell my own father how to “be a man,” and was perfectly willing to raise my son to be one according to the Word. How, I wonder, did I intend to do so without living out the credo, making it my own?

 

Streams in the Desert

Times have changed, but life’s hard times haven’t

He knoweth the way that I take (Job 23:10).

Believer! What a glorious assurance! This way of thine–this, it may be, a crooked, mysterious, tangled way–this way of trial and tears. “He knoweth it.” The furnace seven times heated–He lighted it. There is an Almighty Guide knowing and directing our footsteps, whether it be to the bitter Marah pool, or to the joy and refreshment of Elim.

That way, dark to the Egyptians, has its pillar of cloud and fire for His own Israel. The furnace is hot; but not only can we trust the hand that kindles it, but we have the assurance that the fires are lighted not to consume, but to refine; and that when the refining process is completed (no sooner–no later) He brings His people forth as gold.

When they think Him least near, He is often nearest. “When my spirit was overwhelmed, then thou knewest my path.” Do we know of ONE brighter than the brightest radiance of the visible sun, visiting our chamber with the first waking beam of the morning; an eye of infinite tenderness and compassion following us throughout the day, knowing the way that we take?

The world, in its cold vocabulary in the hour of adversity, speaks of “Providence”–“the will of Providence”–“the strokes of Providence.” PROVIDENCE! what is that? Why dethrone a living, directing God from the sovereignty of His own earth? Why substitute an inanimate, death-like abstraction, in place of an acting, controlling, personal Jehovah?

How it would take the sting from many a goading trial, to see what Job saw (in his hour of aggravated woe, when every earthly hope lay prostrate at his feet)–no hand but the Divine. He saw that hand behind the gleaming swords of the Sabeans–he saw it behind the lightning flash–he saw it giving wings to the careening tempest–he saw it in the awful silence of his rifled home.

“The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord!” Thus seeing God in everything, his faith reached its climax when this once powerful prince of the desert, seated on his bed of ashes, could say, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust him.”
–Macduff

Your Testimony

by Inspiration Ministries

God be merciful to us and bless us … That Your way may be known on earth … Let all the peoples praise You. Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously, and govern the nations on earth.” – Psalm 67:1-4 NKJV

The psalmist was honest. He asked God to be merciful, bless His people, and cause His face to shine upon them. They depended on Him to bless them, provide for them, and meet their needs.

But there was another perspective. His actions provided a testimony and a witness. Through His mercy and blessings, God became known throughout the world. His actions demonstrated that His ways are true. He showed that He really could provide salvation. Regardless of how things appeared on the surface, God will provide justice and righteous judgment. He ultimately will “govern the nations on earth.”

The realization of God’s presence and sovereignty should fill us with praise. Knowing that He is in control should relieve our burdens and encourage all of us to praise Him, to “be glad and sing for joy!”

Praise for His mercy and blessing is a central part of our testimony. Yes, we desire God to meet our needs, but we also are to become testimonies for others, so through our lives, others would see the wonderful things that He has done. Others need to see the truth of His promises, why we can trust Him, why we don’t need to carry our burdens or live in fear, and why we truly can shout for joy.

May the way we live show others why they should commit their lives to Him to know Him and serve Him.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.” (Matthew 5:14-15, NLT)

As the world grows darker in sin, we must find time to trim our wicks and fill our lamps with oil. We are to be light to the world and salt to the earth. But have we lost our flavor? If we are well-seasoned in the Word and we maintain our prayer life, we will be making an obvious difference.

It takes soaking up the Word of God daily for the words that flow from our lips to be a sweet savor, an encouraging word to the hearer. It is so easy to become dull and bland without those times of refreshing in God’s presence. Nobody likes plain ‘ole, plain ‘ole anything.

Many times, even a good steak needs some seasoning salt, a little garlic, butter, or steak sauce while it is marinating on the grill. The flavor of the meat is greatly enhanced. And so it is with us. When our lives reflect Christ, it will be evident after we have spent time with Him, because we will manifest His glory. The light will shine brightly for all to see.

People need to see Christ in us, the hope of glory, for them to want Him. Who wants what we have if we are not positive, and not full of joy and peace? I hear some Christians who always speak negatively. They are worrying all the time, and they are sad and gloomy. I think they must be lacking in some quality Bible study time, prayer, and church fellowship. We want those who do not know Him to say, “I know there is something different about you” or ask, “Why are you so happy?” Wouldn’t it be wonderful to hear them say, “I want whatever it is that you have”?

I remember that I said those very words more than 29 years ago. I gave my heart to the Lord while watching The 700 Club. I went to visit a local church. The people there were singing and clapping, and some even danced in the aisle to the songs. I was overwhelmed. I had always attended a very traditional church while growing up, and I felt no enthusiasm or joy in it at all. I recall listening to the message intently; I had blocked out everything and had focused intently on the preacher as he spoke. I sat on the edge of my seat like I was at a long-awaited concert.

At the close of the service, I remember a lady asking me if I wanted to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. I didn’t even know what she was talking about, but I said, “Whatever you people have, I want it!” I was gloriously filled that very evening and spoke in tongues. My life was changed forever, and I have felt the joy ever since.

We can share the things we have learned by being salt and light with other believers so that they can enjoy their Christian walk and be better witnesses. It is important to remember that we are not offering a “religion” to anyone. We are telling them about a relationship with a loving, living Savior who can transform their lives and not only give them the gift of eternal life, but also the abundant life while here on planet earth. Jesus wants to add some seasoning to a bland spiritual life.

Got your lamps filled with oil? Follow me! Let’s shine our lights and pour out some salt on those who need to taste and see that the Lord is good.

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him. (Psalm 34:8, NKJV)

Through The Bible Devotions

Joshua 2:10-11 (NIV) ¹⁰We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. ¹¹When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.

Of all the people in this city, this harlot named Rahab was the one who wanted the true God. They all heard the stories of how God had been with Israel, and they were all fearful, but only Rahab had the sense to align herself with that God.

Your testimony is one of your most powerful witnesses that your God is God in heaven above and earth below. Perhaps you do not have amazing stories like the Israelites did, but a godly life is an amazing story. The fruits of the Spirit have their own attractive testimony. Honest people know they are evidence of God at work in the world! If you have an impressive story of deliverance tell it. Don’t underestimate the testimony of a godly life.

There are Rahabs out there in the world watching and discerning. We should watch for them also so that we can tell them the wonder of the God who delivered us and goes before us through life. The Spirit of God goes before us, preparing hearts to be receptive. Rahab became a part of the lineage of Jesus. You never know how your testimony will affect lives. The ramifications are usually much wider than we can imagine.

The Redeemer’s prayer

By: Charles Spurgeon

“Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.” John 17:24

Suggested Further Reading: Song of Solomon 5:1-8

When we get a glimpse of Christ, many step in to interfere. We have our hours of contemplation, when we draw near to Jesus, but alas! how the world steps in and interrupts even our most quiet moments—the shop, the field, the child, the wife, the head, perhaps the very heart, all these are interlopers between ourselves and Jesus. Christ loves quiet; he will not talk to our souls in the busy market place, but he says, “Come, my love, into the vineyard, get thee away into the villages, there will I show thee my love.” But when we go to the villages, behold the Philistine is there, the Canaanite has invaded the land. When we would be free from all thought except thought of Jesus, the wandering band of Bedouin thoughts come upon us, and they take away our treasures, and spoil our tents. We are like Abraham with his sacrifice; we lay out the pieces ready for the burning, but foul birds come to feast on the sacrifice which we desire to keep for our God and for him alone. We have to do as Abraham did; “When the birds came down upon the sacrifice, Abraham drove them away.” But in heaven there shall be no interruption, no weeping eyes shall make us for a moment pause in our vision; no earthly joys, no sensual delights, shall create a discord in our melody; there shall we have no fields to till, no garment to spin, no wearied limb, no dark distress, no burning thirst, no pangs of hunger, no weepings of bereavement; we shall have nothing to do or think upon, but for ever to gaze upon that Sun of righteousness, with eyes that cannot be blinded, and with a heart that can never be weary.

For meditation: We are never going to be free from outside distractions and wandering thoughts in this life, but we do need to seek to have some time each day when we can shut them out as far as possible and spend time alone with our heavenly Father (Matthew 6:6).

Gossip and Judgment

by Inspiration Ministries

“Take the blasphemer outside the camp. All those who heard him are to lay their hands on his head, and the entire assembly is to stone him.” – Leviticus 24:14 NIV

Too often, people feel free to criticize others, to spread rumors and gossip without any sense of responsibility. Sadly, this activity takes place even among Christians! But the Bible warns us against actions like these. It teaches the importance of accountability.

In the Law, for example, no one was to be convicted based on anonymous rumors. In the case of blasphemy, nothing would happen until a person’s accusers came forward. In public! All who witnessed the sin were to “lay their hands on his head.” They had to name the charge and then personally participate in the punishment. This procedure made them think carefully before making an accusation.

Jesus taught a similar principle when He said that if we see someone sin, we should show them their faults in private. We are not to gossip. When He saw men confronting a woman caught in adultery, Jesus taught, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7).

Imagine how the world would be different if God’s people obeyed His Word! If no one spread rumors or gossiped, if we were more careful about our words, and if we knew we had to make accusations in public and be careful before we threw stones, the world would be a much nicer place.

Today, think about these standards before you criticize or gossip. Remember, God is watching and listening.

There isn’t a human on earth who hasn’t at one time or another been discontented, distressed, or in debt. Even at an early age, children and teenagers experience moments of being dissatisfied or fed up with school or rules. And people of all ages have unfortunately suffered heartache and anxiousness. This is the world we live in— this is the world that has always existed. So what’s a person to do? Do we just accept it and mope through life waiting for the sweet by and by?

NO, of course not. First of all, this is why Jesus is called our Savior. He came to save all who were/are perishing in this world. Faith in Jesus Christ changes everything. And as a Christian, you know this. But life can still be difficult, even as a born-again believer. So then what?

I suggest we learn from those who have gone before us. Specifically, let’s learn from David today. Here was a man who was forced to run for his life— after being hand-picked by God to be king. I have never had to run for my life, but I can relate to David in more ways than one. Like him, I have found great encouragement from God to press forward despite the obstacles. I have been surrounded by people in no better shape than myself, but discovered the joy of contagious faith. And time and time again, I have been delivered from the enemy’s plan.

David found himself running from the former king who wanted him dead, only to be surrounded by “everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented” (1 Samuel 22:2). When you pray and call out to God, the last thing you are hoping for is a bunch of people in worse condition than yourself. But the Bible says David “become captain over them.” He didn’t despise the broken people God sent him. He realized there’s something he had that they needed. And because David’s faith was contagious, these men became mighty warriors.

End of story? No, this isn’t a made-for-tv movie. This is real life. And just like our lives, David found himself alone again. An enemy attacked their homes and took all the women and children. And instead of being angry at their true enemy, David’s men turned on him. They wanted to stone him, which sounds ridiculous, but that’s what happens when the enemy finds a way to discourage people.

But David knew something we all need to remember:

“David strengthened himself in the Lord his God” (1 Samuel 30:6b).

This is our only option. This needs to be our daily option— our daily routine.

Life happens. We live in a world that is confused and lost, but we should never be! Despite the challenges that want to surround and overwhelm us and the despair of others in the same boat, YOU and I have a choice. We do not have to cave to the pressure. Even if left completely alone (everyone forsaking you), you can turn to God and encourage yourself in His faithfulness. This is what David did time and time again. We are privileged to have access to his journal (the Book of Psalms). David repeatedly found comfort in the Lord his God!

And notice, he encouraged himself. He didn’t wait for a pastor, a podcast, a service, a friend, or a quiet day on the couch binging on Netflix. No, David encouraged himself in the “I AM”— the One who said He would never leave us or forsake us.

David turned his thoughts, his words, and his heart toward God. He didn’t meditate on the problem. He meditated on the answer. He exercised his faith in the One who saved him (time and time before). This is our example. We have a Savior and He is faithful. Decide today (and every day) that no matter what may come, or who may come against you, YOU can encourage yourself in the Lord.

Through The Bible Devotions

Joshua 1:7-8 (NIV) ⁷Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. ⁸Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

The Law was to guide the new nation in the ways of God. Joshua, as their commander, was told to be careful to obey it all. If leaders do not follow God, they lead the people astray. But if they follow hard after God through obedience to His Word, many will be challenged to do the same. Joshua was encouraged to meditate on the words of the Law. He was supposed to talk about it all the time. Most of all, he was told to be careful to live it. We can talk about it and study it, but if that does not translate into living it then our words are misunderstood by the message our actions preach.

If Joshua would do these things, he was twice promised that he would be successful, and even prosperous. I don’t think the principle has changed. If we will do the same thing, we will have the same results.

Meditation upon the Word is a holy habit that is not much employed today. Most mature Christians will spend time reading the Word, speaking the Word, and applying it to their lives, but few meditate upon the passages they read. This often involves memorization. Take time to let the Word speak to you. Ask the Holy Spirit to make it come alive and apply it to your daily situations. The quantity of Scripture read is not as important as seeing the application to our lives. Look for God’s eternal truth in each passage you read.

Meditate on the Scripture for today. What is God saying to you?

Christ—our substitute

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

Suggested Further Reading: Isaiah 53:10-12

In no sense is he ever a guilty man, but always is he an accepted and a holy one. What, then, is the meaning of that very forcible expression of my text? We must interpret Scriptural modes of expression by the words of the speakers. We know that our Master once said himself, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood;” he did not mean that the cup was the covenant. He said, “Take, eat, this is my body”—none of us conceives that the bread is the literal flesh and blood of Christ. We take that bread as if it were the body, and it actually represents it. Now, we are to read a passage like this, according to the analogy of faith. Jesus Christ was made by his Father sin for us, that is, he was treated as if he had himself been sin. He was not sin; he was not sinful; he was not guilty; but, he was treated by his Father, as if he had not only been sinful, but as if he had been sin itself. That is a strong expression used here. Not only has he made him to be the substitute for sin, but to be sin. God looked on Christ as if Christ had been sin; not as if he had taken up the sins of his people, or as if they were laid on him, though that were true, but as if he himself had positively been that noxious—that God-hating—that soul-damning thing, called sin. When the judge of all the earth said, “Where is sin?” Christ presented himself. He stood before his Father as if he had been the accumulation of all human guilt; as if he himself were that thing which God cannot endure, but which he must drive from his presence for ever.

For meditation: God regarded Christ crucified just as if he were sin, not Son. The substitutionary atonement is the key which enables the Christian to make use of the description “Just as if I’d never sinned.”

Compassion

by Inspiration Ministries

“I tell you, no, but unless you repent, y will all likewise perish.” Luke 13:5 (NASB)

You ever open your computer screen, scroll through the awful headlines and think to yourself, I’m glad I’m not like them.

I have. My guess is that you have, too.

The Bible reading in Luke today is both awful and interesting. In the first part of Luke 13, Jesus speaks of an incident that apparently took place in the temple. Roman soldiers cut down some Galileans and their blood was mixed with some of the blood sacrifices.

This appalled the Israelites. The Lord’s answer—as usual—is both unexpected and profound. Basically, He states that unless the people repent, they will all suffer the same fate.

Not what the people wanted to hear.

No one likes to hear about repentance.

Why?

Repentance means turning around, going in a different direction, admitting guilt. And face it, most of us like going a direction of our choosing. And according to our culture, you should never feel guilt—it’s always someone else’s fault.

Not according to God’s Word. Not according to Jesus.

In fact, let’s go back in the gospels to the first mini-message of our Lord:

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 NASB

What does He mean?

Jesus is saying, in essence, I’m here. Turn to me. Don’t follow your own way. Give me your life. You need a Savior for your sin.

How about we skip over to John 8? A woman is caught in adultery. The Pharisees try to trap Jesus into going against the Law—read the account yourself. My point is, at the end, when it is just this condemned woman and Jesus, He tells her, “From now on, sin no more.”

In other words, turn from your sin and turn to Jesus.

In this culture, we don’t often use the word sin. We say we “made a mistake,” or “were at the wrong place at the wrong time.” Or even, “I was hanging with the wrong crowd.”

All of these may be true.

Or not.

Philippians 2:9-11 states:

“For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (NASB)

Judgment will one day come to this old earth. Those who have trusted Christ and repented of their sins will be saved. Those who have not will be condemned.

If you are a follower of Christ, be glad. Turn from any known sin.

If you are not, trust Him today. Repent of going your own way.

The Apostle Peter said this in Acts 4:12,

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (NASB).  (Turn, Today)

Human Logic vs. Spiritual Wisdom: How God Changes Hearts – Crosswalk the Devotional

by Kelly-Jayne McGlynn

Proverbs 3:5-6 says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Ah, my own understanding… How I love thee. So limited, and yet seemingly so inviting to lean on as I attempt to take charge of my own repentance.

When I was in college, I double-majored in English and Philosophy. Every paper I wrote–and there were a lot of them–would end in a clear conclusion neatly supported by every line of the rest of my argument. I could always back up my opinion in class. I even used to do Logic homework problems for fun. The truth is, I love my brain.

What God has been teaching me recently, though, is that when it comes to matters of my heart, I cannot rely on my own brain… even if my brain is telling me the truth.

Even when our ‘own understanding’ is based on Scripture, and the step-by-step process of repentance is clear in our minds—it is still the hand of God that we must rely on transform our hearts. In all our ways we must submit to him, because he will be the one to make our paths straight!

Last week, I was on the phone with one of my Moms-in-the-Faith. You know, the type of woman in your life who knows how to ask you just the right question. I was expressing frustration to her about a situation with my friend, who is a new follower of Christ. As her sister, I had been trying to get her to fully understand an aspect of her life in which in order to please God, she would have to give something up. I was frustrated because to me, it seemed so simple.

The scriptures about it were right there. As I would have done in Philosophy class, I had stated Premise 1, then Premise 2, which led to the Conclusion. Boom. Why wasn’t she getting it?

But my Spiritual Mom reminded me, “Kelly-Jayne…sometimes it isn’t that easy. If [last year] someone had tried to get you to fully believe in God’s love and protection for you that same way, would that have been helpful? Would that have really convinced you?” She, of course, was right.

You see, two years ago, my apartment was broken into in the middle of the night. It was very difficult for me to trust in God’s protection following that. Nearly impossible, really. At that time, when I would read scriptures about God’s protection, they just felt hollow and untrue. If anyone shared one with me, I typically just became angry instead of encouraged. It took months and months of prayer, experience, and God changing my heart for me to actually believe in that truth.

Even if someone had blatantly stated “Read Psalm 91:9-10. Premise 1: The Lord is your refuge. Premise 2: The Bible says that if the Lord is our refuge, no harm will overtake us. Conclusion: God protected you that night from harm–whether or not you think so,” that would not have been helpful to my heart. At all. Instead, what really changed my heart was sitting at God’s feet, hearing his voice through the scriptures.

Jesus reminds us of this in John 5:39: “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!” (NLT). Jacob physically wrestled with God. David struggled in prayer. He begged God to create in him a pure heart, instead of trying to logically think his way there. These men submitted their ways to God—which was really an invitation to see him face-to-face. And God blessed them for it.

Sometimes we want a quick fix with Devotionals. We want to Google a scripture, write it on a post-it, and magically have our hearts renewed. We want a change of heart, and in our fast-paced society, we want it now.

Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely believe that there is power in the word of God. But if we rely on our own brains to make ourselves accept the truth found in Scriptures, we miss out on the chance to truly meet with God!

God invites us to rest on his power, not our own. Even when our understanding is based on truth, God calls us to lean on his understanding, to walk with him, to sit as his feet. Today, as you read his powerful word, seek God through his scriptures and not just solutions. Hear his voice speaking to your heart

Hope for a Tree