Daily Devotion

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June 6
Found on the Edges
Bible in a Year:

• 2 Chronicles 25–27
• John 16

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

Luke 19:10
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Luke 19:1–10
In the middle of the crowd at a motorcycle demonstration where riders performed breathtaking tricks, I found myself needing to stand on my tiptoes to see. Glancing around, I noticed three children perched in a nearby tree, apparently because they also couldn’t get to the front of the crowd to see the action.
Watching the kids peer out from their lofty location, I couldn’t help but think of Zacchaeus, who Luke identifies as a wealthy tax collector (Luke 19:2). Jews often viewed tax collectors as traitors for working for the Roman government collecting taxes from fellow Israelites, as well as frequently demanding additional money to pad their personal bank accounts. So Zacchaeus was likely shunned from his community.
As Jesus passed through Jericho, Zacchaeus longed to see Him but was unable to see over the crowd. So, perhaps feeling both desperate and lonely, he climbed into a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse (vv. 3–4). And it was there, on the outskirts of the crowd, that Jesus searched him out and announced His intention to be a guest at his home (v. 5).
Zacchaeus’ story reminds us that Jesus came to “seek and to save the lost,” offering His friendship and the gift of salvation (vv. 9–10). Even if we feel on the edges of our communities, pushed to the “back of the crowd,” we can be assured that, even there, Jesus finds us.
By: Lisa M. Samra
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Reflect & Pray
How have you experienced feelings of being pushed aside by friends or family? In the midst of loneliness, how has Jesus found you and invited you to spend time with Him?
Jesus, thank You for never simply walking by when I’m hurting but stopping to invite me into friendship with You.

 

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June 7
In Need of Rescue
Bible in a Year:

• 2 Chronicles 28–29
• John 17

A Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.

Luke 10:33
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Luke 10:30–37
A teenager named Aldi was working alone on a fishing hut anchored about 125 kilometers (about 78 miles) off Indonesia’s Sulawesi Island when heavy winds knocked the hut off its mooring and sent it out to sea. For forty-nine days, Aldi drifted in the ocean. Every time he spotted a ship, he turned on his lamp to try and get the sailors’ attention, only to be disappointed. About ten ships passed the malnourished teen before he was rescued.
Jesus told a parable to an “expert in the law” (Luke 10:25) about someone who needed to be rescued. Two men—a priest and a Levite—saw an injured man as they were traveling. But rather than help him, both “passed by on the other side” (vv. 31–32). We aren’t told why. Both were religious men and would have been familiar with God’s law to love their neighbor (Leviticus 19:17–18). They may have thought it was too dangerous. Or perhaps they didn’t want to break Jewish laws about touching dead bodies, making them ceremonially unclean and unable to serve in the temple. In contrast, a Samaritan—who was despised by the Jews—acted nobly. He saw the man in need and selflessly took care of him.
Jesus wrapped up His teaching with the command that His followers should “go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37). May God give us the willingness to risk reaching out in love to help others.
By: Poh Fang Chia
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Reflect & Pray
Who has Jesus put in your path that needs your help? How can you put your love into action today?
God, open my eyes to the needs around me and give me Your heart of compassion for others.

 

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June 8
Truly Humble, Truly Great
Bible in a Year:

• 2 Chronicles 30–31
• John 18:1–18

[Christ Jesus] made himself nothing.

Philippians 2:7
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Philippians 2:1–11
As the American Revolution concluded with England’s improbable surrender, many politicians and military leaders maneuvered to make General George Washington a new monarch. The world watched, wondering if Washington would stick to his ideals of freedom and liberty when absolute power was within his grasp. England’s King George III saw another reality, however. He was convinced that if Washington resisted the power pull and returned to his Virginia farm, he would be “the greatest man in the world.” The king knew that the greatness evidenced in resisting the allure to power is a sign of true nobility and significance.
Paul knew this same truth and encouraged us to follow Christ’s humble way. Even though Jesus was “in very nature God,” he “did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage” (Philippians 2:6). Instead, He surrendered His power, became “a servant” and “humbled himself by becoming obedient to death” (vv. 7–8). The One who held all power surrendered every bit of it for the sake of love.
And yet, in the ultimate reversal, God exalted Christ from a criminal’s cross “to the highest place” (v. 9). Jesus, who could demand our praise or force us to be obedient, laid down His power in a breathtaking act that won our worship and devotion. Through absolute humility, Jesus demonstrated true greatness, turning the world upside down.
By: Winn Collier
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Reflect & Pray
How does the depth of Jesus’ humility surprise you? How does His humility force you to reconsider your definition of greatness?
Thank You, Jesus, that in Your most destitute and (seemingly) disgraceful moment, You demonstrated Your true power and greatness.

 

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“Writing crystallizes thought and thought motivates action.” – George B. Wright, Sr.
Dad’s POWER PACKED Phrase #10
June 8, 2020
I’m a yellow legal pad guy. For most of my life, my yellow legal pad has acted as a substitute for a computer. When I pastored, I was the only person on our staff who never owned or used a computer. I wanted to die computer illiterate, yet sadly, those days have finally come to an end.
But I still believe that my dad’s saying is relevant today: “Writing crystallizes thought and thought motivates action.” There is something about writing things down that clarifies our thinking, especially when searching for solutions to everyday problems and challenges. After all, an action that follows careful thought usually brings about the greatest results.
That’s why I’m so thankful that God worked so powerfully in the lives of about 40 people over the course of 1600 years to give us His perfectly true Word – The Bible. Because God led men of faith to write down His thoughts, we can clearly know who God is and how we should live.
Are you struggling with clarity? Are you feeling stuck and unsure of how to move forward? Write out your thoughts, questions, and concerns before God. Seek His wisdom and remember that writing helps crystallize thoughts and thoughts motivate action.

 

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June 10
“God Stuff”
Bible in a Year:

• 2 Chronicles 34–36
• John 19:1–22

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

1 Peter 3:15
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
1 Peter 3:13–18
Most of Mike’s co-workers knew little about Christianity, nor did they seem to care. But they knew he cared. One day near the Easter season, someone casually mentioned that they’d heard Easter had something to do with Passover and wondered what the connection was. “Hey, Mike!” he said. “You know about this God stuff. What’s Passover?”
So Mike explained how God brought the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. He told them about the ten plagues, including the death of the firstborn in every household. He explained how the death angel “passed over” the houses whose doorframes were covered by the blood of a sacrificed lamb. Then he shared how Jesus was later crucified at the Passover season as the once-and-for-all sacrificial Lamb. Suddenly Mike realized, Hey, I’m witnessing!
Peter the disciple gave advice to a church in a culture that didn’t know about God. He said, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15).
Because Mike had been open about his faith, he got the chance to share that faith naturally, and he could do so with “gentleness and respect” (v. 15).
We can too. With the help of God’s Holy Spirit, we can explain in simple terms what matters most in life—that “stuff” about God.
By: Tim Gustafson
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Reflect & Pray
How do you feel when someone wants to discuss matters of faith with you? Why does Peter add that we are to share our faith “with gentleness and respect”?
Father, help me be ready to explain the hope and purpose You can bring to life.

 

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“But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” – James 2:9
PLAYING FAVORITES PART 1
June 10, 2020
Partiality—it’s not a very common word in today’s vocabulary. But to be partial means to show favoritism. We know that showing a bias, preference or even a prejudice is wrong – but that doesn’t seem to stop it from happening. So what can we do? How do we respond to issues of favoritism, prejudice, and even racism, in our workplaces, families and communities?
Jesus provided a great example of looking past cultural bias and discrimination in the book of John. At a time when the Jews and Samaritans harbored tremendous prejudice towards one another, Jesus initiated a conversation with a Samaritan woman. Not only did Jesus ignore racial bias, but He also disregarded gender rules and cultural norms of the time by speaking with a woman. In spite of their differences, Jesus showed her love. He shared the truth about God and addressed her sin, leaving her life forever changed. In the same way, Jesus stepped past cultural differences and societal barriers to demonstrate His love for everyone: Jew, Samaritan, you and me. (John 4: 4-30)
Where do we begin? Maybe you think racism is too big of a problem and there’s nothing you can do about it. Maybe for others, you struggle to fully understand the complexity of the issues – your life experience makes it difficult to relate to the conversation. No matter where you fall on the issue – look to Jesus. Jesus, who came to die for all of us, no matter our race, ethnicity, background or baggage. Jesus didn’t play favorites when He offered us salvation – so why do we?

 

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June 12
Together We Win
Bible in a Year:

• Ezra 3–5
• John 20

Two are better than one . . . : If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Exodus 17:8–13
In the middle of the night, Pastor Samuel Baggaga received a call asking him to come to the home of a church member. When he arrived, he found a house engulfed by fire. The father, though burned himself, had reentered the home to rescue one of his children and emerged with an unconscious daughter. The hospital, in this rural Ugandan setting, was six miles (10 kilometers) away. With no transportation available, the pastor and the father started running to the hospital with the child. When one of them tired from carrying the injured girl, the other one took over. Together they made the journey; the father and his daughter were treated and then fully recovered.
In Exodus 17:8–13 the Lord orchestrated a great victory that included the efforts of Joshua, who led fighting men on the battlefield; and Moses, who kept his hands raised while holding the staff of God. When Moses’ hands grew weary, Aaron and Hur assisted by each holding up one of his hands until the setting of the sun and the defeat of the enemy.
The value of interdependence can never be underestimated. God, in His kindness, graciously provides people as His agents for mutual good. Listening ears and helpful hands; wise, comforting, and correcting words—these and other resources come to us and through us to others. Together we win and God gets the glory!
By: Arthur Jackson
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Reflect & Pray
At what times in your life have you benefited from the support of others? Who might you know who needs you to run with them in this season of their life?
Father, thank You for those You’ve graciously provided in my life and for those You’ve allowed me to share life with for our mutual good and Your glory.

 

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June 13
He Changed Me
Bible in a Year:

• Ezra 6–8
• John 21

But if a wicked person . . . does what is just and right, they will save their life.

Ezekiel 18:27
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Ezekiel 18:25–32
When John, who ran the biggest brothel in London, was sent to prison, he falsely believed, I’m a good guy. While there, he decided to attend the Bible study at the prison because there was cake and coffee, but he was struck by how happy the other inmates seemed to be. He started to cry during the first song and later received a Bible. Reading from the prophet Ezekiel changed him, hitting him “like a thunderbolt.” He read, “But if a wicked person turns away from [their] wickedness . . . and does what is just and right, . . . that person will surely live; they will not die” (18:27–28). God’s Word came alive to him and he realized, “I wasn’t a good guy . . . I was wicked and I needed to change.” While praying with the pastor, he said, “I found Jesus Christ and He changed me.”
These words from Ezekiel were spoken to God’s people when they were in exile. Although they had turned from God, He longed that they would rid themselves of their offenses and “get a new heart and a new spirit” (v. 31). Those words helped John to “Repent and live!” (v. 32) as he followed Jesus, the One who called sinners to repentance (Luke 5:32).
May we respond to the Spirit’s conviction of sin, that we too might enjoy forgiveness and freedom.
By: Amy Boucher Pye
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Reflect & Pray
How do you react to the question of whether or not you’re a “good person”? In what areas of life could you “repent and live”?
Father God, thank You for making me aware of my sinful behavior through Your Holy Spirit. Soften my heart to repent and to receive Your forgiveness.

 

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“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
DOES THE LIGHT OF CHRIST SHINE THROUGH YOUR LIFE?
June 14, 2020
Astronomers have told us that the most recognizable feature in the Southern Hemisphere skies, the Southern Cross, is disappearing. No, not in the physical sense, but because of the increase in artificial light coming from places like Sydney, Australia, the Southern Cross appears fainter and less distinctive in the night sky.
How similar to the lives of many who claim to be Christians where the world’s influence on purely ethical and moral standards is so great that biblical Truth seems to dim. Where once these Christians were light in the darkness, now their light has faded into obscurity, no longer seen in a world filled with darkness.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. If you call yourself a Christian, let me ask you a question. Is the light of Christ shining through your life or is it really non-existent and invisible to others? Was it bright at one time, but has begun to dim with each passing day?
Friends, don’t allow your light to vanish without having a positive influence for Christ. We are supposed to be light in a dark world and in today’s world – that light is needed now more than ever! So, how are you letting the light of Christ shine through your life? How are you pointing others to Christ in how you live day in and day out? People are watching; Who do they see when they look at you?

 

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June 17
Dancing Before the Lord
Bible in a Year:

• Nehemiah 7–9
• Acts 3

Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume?”

Mark 14:4
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Mark 14:1–9
A number of years ago, my wife and I visited a small church where during the worship service a woman began to dance in the aisle. She was soon joined by others. Carolyn and I looked at each other and an unspoken agreement passed between us: “Not me!” We come from church traditions that favor a serious liturgy, and this other form of worship was well beyond our comfort zone.
But if Mark’s story of Mary’s “waste” means anything at all, it suggests that our love for Jesus may express itself in ways that others find uncomfortable (Mark 14:1–9). A year’s wages were involved in Mary’s anointing. It was an “unwise” act that invited the disciples’ scorn. The word Mark uses to describe their reaction means “to snort” and suggests disdain and mockery. Mary may have cringed, fearing Jesus’ response. But He commended her for her act of devotion and defended her against His own disciples, for Jesus saw the love that prompted her action despite what some would consider the impractical nature of it. He said, “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me” (v. 6).
Different forms of worship—informal, formal, quiet, exuberant—represent a sincere outpouring of love for Jesus. He’s worthy of all worship that comes from a heart of love.
By: David H. Roper
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Reflect & Pray
Why do you think we’re critical of unfamiliar forms of worship? How can we change our thoughts about a form of worship that’s outside our comfort zone?
I bow before You, Almighty God, and worship You now. You’re worthy of the highest praise and adoration.

 

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“But (Jesus) was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53: 5
DOES GOD STILL HEAL?
June 17, 2020
Does God still heal? The Scriptures are full of powerful miracles and astonishing healings, but does it happen today? The answer is yes. We still serve a God who heals. We still serve a God who saves and transforms lives. That said, we need to remember that when and why God heals still varies.
Sometimes God temporarily heals and other times He doesn’t heal. When we speak about “temporary healing,” we realize that everyone will one day die. Lazarus was raised from the dead, but eventually died a second time. Lazarus received temporary healing. Let’s be honest, this is what we often pray for when it comes to the health or sickness of a loved one. That’s why it’s incredibly difficult to understand why God doesn’t heal.
Why wouldn’t God heal when He has the power to do so? To be honest, we simply don’t know. For the follower of Jesus, however, we have incredible hope. We can rest assured that one day we will all experience eternal healing from every last physical, mental and emotional pain and suffering we face here on earth. In the meantime, we are called to trust God with the results, even when we don’t understand why.
If Christ is your Lord and Savior, if His death on the cross truly washed away your sins and restored your relationship with God, then you can be confident that while you may or may not experience temporary healing here on earth, your eternal salvation, free from all pain and suffering, is guaranteed. And that…is very Good News!

 

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‘They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” And then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them!’ Having said this, he fell asleep.” – Acts 7: 59
STEPHEN – THE CHURCH’S 1ST MARTYR
June 18, 2020
On April 9, 2017, as Coptic Christians in Egypt gathered for Palm Sunday, a suicide bomber killed 45 people and wounded 119. Those 45 martyrs lost their lives for the sole reason of following Jesus.
The term martyr goes back to the early church, meaning ‘a witness for Christ.’ It refers to a follower of Jesus who willingly loses their life rather than deny their faith. Stephen was the first martyr in the history of the church. Rather than defend himself when falsely accused by a group of religious leaders, Stephen chose to preach the Gospel of Christ from beginning to end in hopes that some might understand the Truth. Instead, the religious leaders became furious. Their anger and hatred towards Stephen revealed their hearts. Grabbing Stephen, they took him outside of the city – no trial, no formal conviction – and stoned him. It was the same type of scene as in the old South. Many in the white culture had this “lynch mob” mindset towards blacks, whom they felt had gotten out of line.
But it’s not just Stephen’s incredible faithfulness to God even in the face of death that inspires. It’s also the spirit in which he faced death. Stephen’s final words, “Lord Jesus receive my spirit” and “do not hold this against them,” are almost identical to what Jesus said on the cross in Luke 23: 46: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” What we see in Stephen is not just unwavering faith, but a Christ-likeness in his witness – a peace and calm in the face of death. Even though Stephen faced a horrifically violent death by stoning, he was not afraid. Why? Because Christ conquered death and so, too, would he. Just as Christ rose from the dead, so too will His followers.
Stephen faced death with a supernatural peace and calm assurance of eternity with Christ. When you face rejection, discrimination or even persecution, ask God for faith like Stephen.
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“Submit therefore to God.” – James 4:7
HE HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD – COUNT ON IT
June 19, 2020
The key starting point in learning how to overcome temptation to sin is to submit your life to God through the person of Jesus Christ. Now, I realize many people have not yet made this decision, so let me tell you how.
You make the decision when you come to intellectually believe what the Bible stays about Jesus– that He is the Son of God, that He died on the cross for your sins, and that He rose from the dead. When you come to believe that and come to believe that He is the source of salvation, you’re taking the first step, but you’re not a Christian yet.
You become a Christian when you trust Christ enough to submit to Him. You make yourself subject to Him. This phrase “subject to” is a military term. A person in the military is subject to their commanding officer. When we come to trust Christ we’re saying, “Look. I’m no longer going to live for myself or live to please other people. I’m going to live to please Jesus, to follow Jesus. I’m going to submit to the authority of Jesus. He is my commander.” And this means we submit to the authority of Christ in every area of our life. We don’t have any secret compartments that are “hands-off” to God. Every single part of our life is submitted to Him.
And here’s the really good news. When you submit to God through the person of Christ, Christ gives you the gift of the Holy Spirit, the third person of the trinity, who comes to dwell in you. The Spirit then gives you an inner “want to” to obey God. And that inner “want to” is always going to be stronger than the inner “want to” to sin.
But you say, “Well, I still sin even though I made that decision.” Absolutely! We’re all going to fail. We all fall short, but don’t kid yourself. The Spirit of God, the Spirit who lives within you in Jesus Christ, is stronger than he who is in the world. He is stronger than any temptation you’re going to face in this world. Remember, Jesus said, “I have overcome the world.” Count on it. Lean into it. Let Him live through you!
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“Fathers, do not exasperate your children, that they may not lose heart.” – Colossians 3:21 NAS
NEED HELP BEING A GOOD FATHER?
June 21, 2020
Fathers hold a special place in a child’s life. Some fathers are involved with sports teams, outdoor games, and even having tea parties – just having lots of fun with their kids. Other dads enjoy helping children learn new skills: anything from baking to building birdhouses. It really doesn’t matter so much how Dads spend time with their children, as long as it’s quality time together. Father’s Day is a time to remember just how special your Dad is.
So, are you a dad looking for a little help in being a good father? One particular verse from the Bible really helps: “Fathers, don’t provoke your children, instead bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

• Don’t provoke your children. – That means don’t make unrealistic demands. Don’t crush their spirit by being aloof or overly strict. Every child has a fragile psyche that needs to be built up, not torn down.
• Bring them up in discipline. – Discipline should be fair and consistent. They need to know the boundaries and know there are negative consequences if they ignore them. This gives children security and helps them know they are loved.
• …and the instruction of the Lord. – Discipline precedes instruction–any good teacher knows that. But discipline without instruction exasperates children. They need Dad to teach them right from wrong and to do it with love.

It’s not easy being a good dad, but we sure have a great model in our Heavenly Father revealed to us through Jesus.
Happy Father’s Day!

 

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June 23
Underestimating Ourselves
Bible in a Year:

• Esther 9–10
• Acts 7:1–21

Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, did you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel.”

1 Samuel 15:17
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
1 Samuel 15:10–18
The young man became his team’s captain. The professional sports squad was now led by a mild-mannered kid who barely needed to shave. His first press conference was underwhelming. He kept deferring to the coach and to his teammates, and mumbled clichés about just trying to do his job. The team performed poorly that season, and by the end of it the young captain had been traded. He didn’t grasp that he’d been entrusted with the authority to lead, or maybe he never believed he could.
Due to his failures, Saul was “small in [his] own eyes” (1 Samuel 15:17)—which is a funny thing to say about a guy who’s described as being tall. He was literally head and shoulders above the rest (9:2). And yet that wasn’t how he saw himself. In fact, his actions in the chapter show him trying to win the approval of the people. He hadn’t fully grasped that God—not people—had chosen him and given him a mission.
But Saul’s mistake is a picture of every human being’s failure: we can miss that we were made in God’s image to reflect His rule, and end up misusing our authority—spreading destruction in the world. To undo this, we need to return to God: to let the Father define us by His love, to let Him fill us with the Spirit, and to let Jesus send us out into the world.
By: Glenn Packiam
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Reflect & Pray
What assignment has God given you that you don’t think you have the power to do? Why is it vital to have your identity based in what God says is true?
Dear Father, give me eyes to see myself as You see me, and grant me the grace to faithfully carry out the calling You’ve entrusted to me.

 

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Debt Eraser
Bible in a Year:

• Job 1–2
• Acts 7:22–43

[Jesus Christ] loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.

Revelation 1:5
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Revelation 1:4–7
Stunned is just one word that describes the response of the crowd at the 2019 graduation ceremony at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. The commencement speaker announced that he and his family would be donating millions of dollars to erase the student debt of the entire graduating class. One student—with $100,000 in loans—was among the overwhelmed graduates who expressed their joys with tears and shouts.
Most of us have experienced indebtedness in some form—having to pay for homes, vehicles, education, medical expenses, or other things. But we’ve also known the amazing relief of a bill being stamped “PAID”!
After declaring Jesus as “the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth,” John worshipfully acknowledged His debt-erasing work: “To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood” (Revelation 1:5). This statement is simple but its meaning is profound. Better than the surprise announcement the Morehouse graduating class heard is the good news that the death of Jesus (the shedding of His blood on the cross) frees us from the penalty that our sinful attitudes, desires, and deeds deserve. Because that debt has been satisfied, those who believe in Jesus are forgiven and become a part of God’s kingdom family (v. 6). This good news is the best news of all!
By: Arthur Jackson
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Reflect & Pray
If you haven’t received forgiveness through faith in Christ, what’s keeping you from accepting His free gift? When was the last time you worshiped and thanked God for the forgiveness and new life He’s provided?
Jesus, thank You for Your death that erased my debt; I’m eternally grateful!

 

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June 25
Deep-Rooted Faith
Bible in a Year:

• Job 3–4
• Acts 7:44–60

The seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it.

Matthew 13:23
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Matthew 13:18–23
The Holy Oak stood next to Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church in New Jersey for more than six hundred years until it had to be removed. At its prime, the twisting branches spanned high and wide. Cool breezes rustled its green leaves and acorns. The sun peeked through wind-blown gaps, creating dancing glimmers of light in the shade below its canopy. But beneath the ground’s surface lay its true magnificence—its root system. An oak’s main root grows vertically, securing a reliable supply of nourishment. From that taproot, a mass of roots spreads horizontally to supply the tree with a lifetime of moisture and nutrients. This intricate root system often grows more massive than the tree it supports and serves as a lifeline and an anchor for stabilizing the trunk.
Like the mighty oak, most of our life-giving growth occurs beneath the surface. When Jesus explained the parable of the sower to His disciples, He emphasized the importance of being firmly planted in a personal relationship with the Father. As we grow in the knowledge of God as revealed through the Scriptures, our faith roots are sustained by His Spirit. God helps His followers thrive through ever-changing circumstances, trials, persecution, and worry (Matthew 13:18–23).
Our loving Father nourishes our hearts with His Word. As His Spirit transforms our character, He makes sure the fruit of our deep-rooted faith becomes evident to people around us.
By: Xochitl Dixon
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Reflect & Pray
What can you do this week to ensure your heart will be good soil nourished by God’s Word? What fruit of deep-rooted faith have you seen become evident in your life over the last year?
Loving Father, please change me from the inside out and anchor me in faith rooted deep in the unchanging Scriptures.

 

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June 26
Beat Again
Bible in a Year:

• Job 5–7
• Acts 8:1–25

March on, my soul; be strong!

Judges 5:21
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Judges 5:19–21
In 2012, Phillips, Craig and Dean released their song “Tell Your Heart to Beat Again.” It was inspired by the true story of a heart surgeon. After removing a patient’s heart to repair it, the surgeon returned it to the chest and began gently massaging it back to life. But the heart wouldn’t restart. More intense measures followed, but the heart still wouldn’t beat. Finally, the surgeon knelt next to the unconscious patient and spoke to her: “Miss Johnson,” he said, “this is your surgeon. The operation went perfectly. Your heart has been repaired. Now tell your heart to beat again.” Her heart began to beat.
The idea that we could tell our physical heart to do something might seem strange, but it has spiritual parallels. “Why, my soul, are you downcast?” the psalmist says to himself. “Put your hope in God” (Psalm 42:5). “Return to your rest, my soul,” says another, “for the Lord has been good to you” (116:7). After beating Israel’s enemies in war, Deborah, a judge, revealed that she too had spoken to her heart during battle. “March on, my soul,” she told it, “be strong!” (Judges 5:21), because the Lord had promised victory (4:6–7).
Our capable Surgeon has mended our heart (Psalm 103:3). So when fear, depression, or condemnation come, perhaps we too should address our souls and say: March on! Be strong! Feeble heart, beat again.
By: Sheridan Voysey
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Reflect & Pray
What was your first response to the surgeon’s words to the patient? What words from Scripture do you need to speak to your soul today?
Master Physician, thank You for being with me in every trial and battle. Because of Your promised presence, I will direct my soul to act bravely.

 

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June 28
Redemption’s Hope
Bible in a Year:

• Job 11–13
• Acts 9:1–21

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Acts 2:21
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Acts 9:1–4, 10–18
The man seemed beyond redemption. His crimes included eight shootings (killing six) and starting nearly 1,500 fires that terrorized New York City in the 1970s. He left letters at his crime scenes taunting the police, and he was eventually apprehended and given consecutive sentences of twenty-five years to life for each murder.
Yet God reached down to this man. Today he is a believer in Christ who spends time daily in the Scriptures, has expressed deep regret to his victims’ families, and continues to pray for them. Although imprisoned for more than four decades, this man who seemed beyond redemption finds hope in God and claims, “My freedom is found in one word: Jesus.”
Scripture tells of another unlikely conversion. Before he met the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, Saul (who later became the apostle Paul) was “breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples” (Acts 9:1). Yet Paul’s heart and life were transformed by Jesus (vv. 17–18), and he became one of the most powerful witnesses for Him in history. The man who once plotted the death of Christians devoted his life to spreading the hope of the gospel.
Redemption is always a miraculous work of God. Some stories are more dramatic, but the underlying truth remains the same: None of us deserve His forgiveness, yet Jesus is a powerful Savior! He “[saves] completely those who come to God through him” (Hebrews 7:25).
By: James Banks
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Do you know someone who seems like a “tough case” for redemption? Nothing is too hard for God! Bring that person before Him in prayer.
Dear Jesus, thank You for loving us so much You died to bring us into a relationship with You.

 

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June 29
Simply Ask
Bible in a Year:

• Job 14–16
• Acts 9:22–43

Before they call I will answer.

Isaiah 65:24
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
2 Kings 5:9–14
Her doctor said her detached retinas couldn’t be repaired. But after living without sight for fifteen years—learning Braille, and using a cane and service dog—a Montana woman’s life changed when her husband asked another eye doctor a simple question: could she be helped? The answer was yes. As the doctor discovered, the woman had a common eye condition, cataracts, which the doctor removed from her right eye. When the eye patch came off the next day, her vision was 20/20. A second surgery for her left eye met with equal success.
A simple question also changed the life of Naaman, a powerful military man with leprosy. But Naaman raged arrogantly at the prophet Elisha’s instructions to “wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored” (2 Kings 5:10). Naaman’s servants, however, asked the military leader a simple question: “If the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it?” (v. 13). Persuaded, Naaman washed “and his flesh was restored and became clean” (v. 14).
In our lives, sometimes we struggle with a problem because we won’t ask God. Will You help? Should I go? Will You lead? He doesn’t require complicated questions from us to help. “Before they call I will answer,” God promised His people (Isaiah 65:24). So today, simply ask Him.
By: Patricia Raybon
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Reflect & Pray
How complex are your prayer requests? What life problem can you offer to God in a simple prayer?
Dear heavenly Father, when life feels complicated and difficult, thank You for Your promise to hear even my simple prayers.