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February 28
A Baboon, a Donkey, and Me
Bible in a Year:

• Numbers 20–22
• Mark 7:1–13

Then the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth.

Numbers 22:28
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Numbers 22:21–31
Jack knew how to put trains on the right track. In nine years of work, he never missed a track switch as locomotives drew near the Uitenhage, South Africa, station, indicating by their whistles the direction they were to go.
Jack was also a chacma baboon. He was cared for by railway signalman James Wide, and Jack in turn took care of James. Wide had lost both his legs in a fall between moving rail cars. He trained Jack to help him with tasks around the house and soon Jack assisted him at work also, learning how to respond to the incoming trains’ signals by pulling corresponding levers for their tracks.
The Bible tells of another animal that helped someone in a surprising way—Balaam’s donkey. Balaam was a pagan prophet serving a king who intended to harm Israel. As the prophet was riding his donkey en route to assist the king, “the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth” and it spoke to Balaam (Numbers 22:28). The donkey’s speech was part of the way God opened “Balaam’s eyes” (v. 31), warned him of imminent danger, and kept him from harming His people.
A railway baboon? A talking donkey? Why not? If God can use these amazing animals for good purposes, it’s not at all far-fetched to believe He can use you and me as well. Looking to Him and seeking His strength, we can accomplish more than we ever thought possible.
By: James Banks
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Reflect & Pray
Whom have you seen God use unexpectedly? What will you do to make yourself available to Him today?
I want to serve You, God! Use my hands, my feet, my mouth, whatever You like! Help me to live for You today.

 

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GROWING IN CHRIST – A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
February 28, 2023
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Living things grow.

It’s true for every organic life form, but it’s also true of us spiritually. When we are born again in Christ, we are set on a trajectory of spiritual growth. The Holy Spirit resides in us to empower this transformational process by which God “grows us up” into the likeness of His Son.

This growth fleshes out in different ways:

1. We continually grow in the fruit of the Spirit as our character is developed.
2. We continually pursue purity and godliness in our lifestyle.
3. We share the gospel more and more freely with others.
4. Our priorities shift from safety and comfort to the priorities of the kingdom of God.
5. We loosen our hold on the world’s material things as we pursue the imperishable things of heaven.

Yet there is another way we grow up in Christ over the course of time. It’s one we don’t often think about, yet it can bring us tremendous joy: Growing up in Christ means an ever-increasing alignment between what we desire and what we know.

We can grow by reading our Bibles every day.

We know that this is the inspired Word of God.

We know that if we want to grow spiritually, it is best to open God’s Word daily and prayerfully read it, believe it, and obey it.

We know we should do this.

Yet, at some point this very week – maybe tomorrow – you won’t feel like opening God’s Word. Nor will I. Perhaps we will feel like sleeping. Or we will feel like scrolling through Twitter. Maybe we will feel like watching TV.

We know we should read our Bibles but don’t want to. We don’t feel like it. And that’s the state in which we live much of the time.

However, I believe that most of us really do want to want to read our Bibles.

We want to want to pray.

We want to want to be holy.

We want to want to be generous.

We want to want to, but there is still a war inside of us, so we are torn on a daily basis between what we know and what we desire.

But, friend, if you feel convicted, consider the hope of the gospel.

Consider the wonderful promise that God, who began His good work in you, will carry it to completion (Phillippians 1:6). Consider that it will not always be this way. For there will come a day when we will no longer want to want to. Instead, there will be a glorious unity between what we know and feel. This is the work the Holy Spirit is doing, slowly, patiently, over the course of time in us – He is bringing unity to our whole selves.

Remember, a day will come when our “faith will be sight” and at long last, we will know and feel the real truth of the Gospel.

We will have grown up in Christ.


Written by Michael Kelley, Guest Contributor.

To read more of Michael’s writing, check out his daily blog, Forward Progress http://michaelkelley.co/

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SLAYING MY EGO
March 01, 2023
“He must become greater and I must become less.” John 3:30
My ego doesn’t like this verse.

Well, that’s not exactly true.

My ego can’t stand this verse. It violently opposes John 3:30 like a ferocious, territorial mountain lion. In fact, my ego, the worldly part of me that craves constant attention and affirmation, wishes the verse read like this:

“I must become greater and He (Jesus) must become less.”

Please understand – John 3:30 is actually one of my favorite verses in the entire Bible. I’ve cherished it for years.

But John 3:30 also challenges us to stick a dagger into our egos and watch them die a slow death. And I don’t know about you, but my ego doesn’t like the thought of that very much.

I often wonder if John the Baptist, who spoke these ego-killing words, struggled with his ego when he was told that people were now flocking to Jesus instead of coming to see him (John 3:26).

You see, up to this point, John had been a local celebrity. The eccentric, camel-hair wearin’, locust and honey eatin’, and desert prophet was the talk of the town (Mark 1:6). Hundreds of people came to hear him preach and to be baptized in the Jordan River. His ministry was a fantastic success.

But now…the spotlight was shifting off of John and onto Jesus. While Jesus’ crowds were exploding, John’s were shrinking. For all intents and purposes, Jesus had basically stolen the show.

How would you react if you were in John’s shoes, and you were no longer the center of attention?

Personally, I don’t always respond well to watching others succeed. My ego often flares up with envy. John, on the other hand, has the complete opposite reaction. In the shadow of Jesus’ ever-increasing popularity, he displays beautiful humility.

James Montgomery Boice explains John’s response as, “What is it that will make a person forget himself in order to point to Jesus? Only an awareness of Jesus’ worth and glory.”

Having an awareness of the majesty of Jesus, John uses the metaphor of a wedding ceremony to describe what it looks like to point to Him. Jesus is the Groom, and John is a “friend” (or best man) of the Groom (John 3:29). As the best man, John exists to serve the Groom, nothing more, nothing less. After all, the bride (the people) ultimately belongs to Jesus, not to John. Not wanting to interfere with Jesus’ ministry in any way, John quietly fades away and allows the Groom to claim His bride.

Do you see yourself as a servant of Jesus’s kingdom, or are you using Jesus to serve your kingdom?

It’s worth noting that he didn’t yield the spotlight to Jesus begrudgingly but joyfully (John 3:29). John says his joy is “complete,” meaning his joy is abounding and overflowing. Contrary to the cravings of our ego, John demonstrates that real joy is found not in glorifying ourselves but in glorifying Jesus.

Bottom line, the battle with your ego will never completely go away on this side of heaven. But there is something you can do. Every time your ego tries to rear its ugly head…clawing and grasping for recognition…fighting tooth and nail for attention…follow these three basic steps:

• Remember the worth and glory of Jesus.
• Follow the example of John the Baptist.
• Quietly quote John 3:30 to yourself.

And slay your ego for the glory of Jesus.

 

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March 6
All Alone?
Bible in a Year:

• Deuteronomy 1–2
• Mark 10:1–31

God heard the boy crying.

Genesis 21:17
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Genesis 21:9–19
Sue’s family was falling apart before her eyes. Her husband had suddenly left the home, and she and her children were confused and angry. She asked him to go for marriage counseling with her, but he wouldn’t because he claimed the problems were hers. Panic and hopelessness set in when she realized he might never come back. Would she be able to care for herself and her children alone?
Hagar, a servant of Abraham and Sarah, faced those thoughts as well. Impatient for God to give them a son as promised (Genesis 12, 15), Sarah gave Hagar to her husband, and Hagar gave birth to Ishmael (16:1–4, 15). However, when God fulfilled His promise and Sarah gave birth to Isaac, family tensions erupted such that Abraham sent Hagar away with their son Ishmael with just some water and food (21:–21). Can you imagine her desperation? Soon they ran out of provisions in the desert. Not knowing what to do and not wanting to see her son die, Hagar put Ishmael under a bush and walked a distance away. They both began to sob. But “God heard the boy crying” (v. 17). He heard their cries, provided for their needs, and was with them.
Times of desperation when we feel all alone cause us to cry out to God. What a comfort to know that during those moments and throughout our lives, He hears us, provides for us, and stays near to us.
By: Anne Cetas
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Reflect & Pray
How has God provided for you when you’ve felt alone? How have you responded to Him?
I’m grateful, God, that I never really walk alone. Help me in my desperation.
Learn more about communicating with God.

 

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March 7
Never Too Far
Bible in a Year:

• Deuteronomy 3–4
• Mark 10:32–52

When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.

Luke 22:32
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Luke 22:31–34, 54–62
Raj had trusted Jesus as Savior in his youth, but soon afterward, he drifted from the faith and led a life apart from God. Then one day, he made the decision to renew his relationship with Jesus and go back to church—only to be scolded by a woman who berated him for being absent for all these years. The scolding added to Raj’s sense of shame and guilt for his years of drifting. Am I beyond hope? he wondered. Then he recalled how Christ had restored Simon Peter (John 21:15–17) even though he’d denied Him (Luke 22:34, 60–61).
Whatever scolding Peter might have expected, all he received was forgiveness and restoration. Jesus didn’t even mention Peter’s denial but instead gave him a chance to reaffirm his love for Christ and take care of His followers (John 21:15–17). Jesus’ words before Peter disowned Him were being fulfilled: “When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32).
Raj asked God for that same forgiveness and restoration, and today he’s not only walking closely with Jesus but serving in a church and supporting other believers as well. No matter how far we’ve strayed from God, He’s always ready not only to forgive us and welcome us back but also to restore us so we can love, serve, and glorify Him. We’re never too far from God: His loving arms are wide open.
By: Leslie Koh
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Reflect & Pray
What fears might you have about turning back to God? How can knowing His heart of forgiveness help you to return to Him?
Father, thank You for Your endless mercy and patience with me. Thank You that I can trust in Your everlasting love.
For further study, read Walking Free: Overcoming What Keeps Us from Jesus.

 

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March 8
God’s Powerful Presence
Bible in a Year:

• Deuteronomy 5–7
• Mark 11:1–18

The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng.

Psalm 68:11
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Psalm 68:4–14
In 2020, celebrations marked the one hundredth anniversary of the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women the right to vote. Old photographs show marchers with banners emblazoned with the words of Psalm 68:11: “The Lord giveth the word. The women that publish the tidings are a great host” (asv).
In Psalm 68, David describes God as the One who leads the oppressed from their captivity (v. 6), refreshing and renewing His weary people from His bountiful riches (vv. 9–10). In this psalm’s thirty-five verses, David references God forty-two times, revealing how He’s constantly been with them, at work to rescue them from injustice and suffering. And a mighty throng of women proclaim this truth (v. 11).
Whether the women who marched for voting rights fully understood all that Psalm 68 was declaring, their banners proclaimed a timeless truth. God, the “father to the fatherless” and “a defender of widows” (v. 5), goes out before His people leading them to places of blessing, refreshment, and joy.
Be encouraged today, remembering that God’s presence has always been with His people, and in a special way with the vulnerable and suffering. As in the past through His Spirit, God is still powerfully present with us today.
By: Lisa M. Samra
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Reflect & Pray
How have you experienced God’s care during a difficult struggle? What encouragement does that bring you?
Father, thank You for Your constant presence in my life, guiding me and fighting for me when I face suffering and injustice.

 

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March 9
Comfort on Doorframes
Bible in a Year:

• Deuteronomy 8–10
• Mark 11:19–33

Write [these commandments] on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

Deuteronomy 6:9
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Deuteronomy 6:4–9
As I scanned my social media feed in the aftermath of the 2016 flood in southern Louisiana, I came across a friend’s post. After realizing her home would have to be gutted and rebuilt, my friend’s mom encouraged her to look for God even in the heart-wrenching work of cleaning up. My friend later posted pictures of Bible verses she uncovered on the exposed door frames of the home, apparently written at the time the home had been built. Reading the Scriptures on the wooden planks gave her comfort.
The tradition of writing Bible verses on doorframes may stem from God’s command to Israel. God instructed the Israelites to post His commands on doorframes as a way of remembering who He is. By writing the commandments on their hearts (Deuteronomy 6:6), teaching them to their children (v. 7), using symbols and other means to recall what God commands (v. 8), and placing the words on doorframes and entry ways (v. 9), the Israelites had constant reminders of God’s words. They were encouraged to never forget what He had said or their covenant with Him.
Displaying God’s words in our homes as well as planting their meaning in our hearts can help us to build a foundation that relies on His faithfulness as revealed in Scripture. And He can use those words to bring us comfort even in the midst of tragedy or heart-wrenching loss.
By: Katara Patton
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Reflect & Pray
When has Scripture comforted you the most? How are the truths of Scripture the foundation for your life?
Heavenly Father, thank You for Scripture that guides my path. Remind me to build my foundation on it.
Grow in your knowledge of the Scriptures.

 

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SURVIVING A CRISIS OF BELIEF
March 09, 2023
“But I trust in Your unfailing love…” Psalm 13:5
If you’ve walked with the Lord for any length of time, you’ve probably experienced a crisis of belief.

What’s a crisis of belief, you ask?

It’s a season of life when the Lord doesn’t act according to what we believe to be true about Him.

For example:

We believe in the closeness of God, but right now, He seems far away.

We believe that God speaks, but right now, His silence is deafening.

We believe that God is a mighty Deliverer, but right now, He isn’t delivering us out of our situation.

A crisis of belief is incredibly perplexing and rattles our faith to its core. Bewildered by what we’re experiencing, we silently ask God a litany of questions:

• Where are You?

• Why won’t You reveal Yourself?

• How long will You allow this to go on?

To make matters worse, it feels like we’re all alone. No one could possibly understand what we’re going through (we falsely conclude). So, we keep things hidden, maintaining the façade that everything is okay. Deep down, however, our faith is hanging on by the tiniest of threads.

And with such a nagging discrepancy between our private interior and our public exterior, we wonder how much longer we can hold on. We’re thinking of giving up, abandoning faith altogether.

If this is how you feel, please hear me loud and clear – you’re gonna get through this.

I’ve survived my own crises of belief, and you will too. What you’re experiencing is a normal part of a life of faith.

Author Philip Yancey expounds on the ebb n flow of our faith journey, “We may experience times of unusual closeness when prayers are answered in an obvious way, and God seems intimate and caring. We may also experience dark times when God stays silent, nothing works according to formula, and all the Bible’s promises seem glaringly false.”

But don’t take Mr. Yancey’s word for it.

Ask David.

In Psalm 13, David is smack dab in the middle of a crisis of belief. His resounding question is, “How long, O Lord?” Like desperate shots from a rescue flare gun, David fires off this question four times in the first two verses, revealing his frustration at God’s timing (Psalm 13:1,2).

David is sick and tired of waiting for God to show up. He’s begging for an “answer” and fears that his enemies will rejoice when he “falls” (Psalm 13:3,4).

But…just when we think David is about to call it quits, the entire trajectory of the psalm turns.

Even though he has reasons to the contrary, David makes a fundamental choice: He resolves to keep trusting in the Lord’s “unfailing love”(Psalm 13:5). You see, trust is not centered around our feelings or our particular circumstances. Trust is anchored in the character of God. And even during a crisis of belief, we have to continue to trust in who God is, in what we know is true of Him. Ultimately, we trust in God not because life is always good but because we know He is good. The Bible, as well as our own past experience, affirms His goodness.

Although David isn’t experiencing much goodness in his present, He calls to mind the goodness of God in his past. This causes his heart to overflow in worship.

“I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me.” (Psalm 13:6)

So, how about you? Will you choose to continue to trust in spite of how you feel? Will you follow David’s example and survive your crisis of belief?

Don’t give up. You’re gonna get through this!


Written by Jonathan Munson, Executive Director, RFTH

 

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UNDERSTANDING ETERNITY
March 10, 2023
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” John 14: 1-2
My mom has been in heaven since 2014.

My dad joined her in 2019.

After Mom died, I remember many times in talking with my dad, the subject naturally turned to eternity. “I wonder what it’s going to be like,” he would think aloud.

Well, Dad, you don’t have to wonder anymore. You both have a front-row seat to eternity!

But even for long-time followers of Christ, this topic raises questions, just as it did with my dad. After all, how can finite human language possibly describe the indescribable? How do we wrap our minds around eternity?

Jesus explains it this way – heaven is like a home with many dwelling places or many rooms. For the follower of Jesus, there will be a room for you. Here we see a picture of Jesus becoming the ultimate servant – preparing our place in heaven, preparing our home. Jesus is saying that heaven is like a home. It’s the ultimate home: free from stress, relational drama, and endless ‘to-do’ lists. Our heavenly home will be one of rest and peace, prepared personally by Jesus for those who trust in Him.

Most importantly, heaven will be about our heavenly Father.

Jesus explains. This is a Father offering us security. A Father we can count on. Many people haven’t had a good relationship with their biological fathers. Some may have never even known him. Some may have greatly feared him, while others may have felt their love never pleased him. The type of Father Jesus is describing might be difficult to imagine, but heaven is going to be like the perfect home with the perfect Father.

In heaven, we will finally experience the world the way that God intended – free from brokenness, pain, and disappointment – with a Father who is strong, loving, fair, dependable, and kind.

If you have been hurt or let down by people or life’s circumstances – look to Jesus. If your earthly father has failed or disappointed you – look to Jesus. Whatever your circumstances are – look to Jesus.

Because for those who trust in Him, the best is yet to come!


Written by Bryant Wright, Founder, RFTH

 

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EMBRACING TRIALS
March 13, 2023
“These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” 1 Peter 1:7
Feeling tired and frustrated?

Are things just not going your way?

Have you ever cried out, “Lord, please make it stop?”

Well, in case you haven’t noticed, it won’t ever stop. We will always face difficulties in our lives. But the good news is that with each faith-testing experience, our ability to deal with these trials and tribulations becomes better, and our faith grows stronger.

In this scripture, God compares our faith to a most precious and beautiful metal – gold. But when mined, this precious metal doesn’t look very precious. It’s dirty and dark. So, how does gold become the brilliant, beautiful, and expensive metal we’ve come to expect?

A refiner takes the gold and slowly melts it, carefully raising the temperature – but never to the point of boiling. As it melts, the impurities rise to the surface and are removed, leaving behind a beautiful pot of gold. Here’s the amazing part: the refiner knows the gold is ready only when he can look into the melting pot and see his reflection. In other words, the only way gold will become more precious is when it’s placed in the fire.

It’s the same in our lives – often, the impurities of our lives must be exposed to the fire so that the Lord can scoop up the filth that is revealed under “fire.” And just like the refiner, God will never allow us to boil. Finally, when it’s all said and done, God can look upon us and see the beauty of His reflection in our lives.

Let’s not waste time focusing on whatever trials we’re facing today – on the contrary – let’s embrace them. The Lord is using these things to prepare us to do great things for Him. Instead of anger or bitterness when a tough season hits, ask the Lord how you can grow in character and faith. And watch how the Lord blesses you through the fire.

I can promise you that He will.


Written by Bryant Wright, Founder, RFTH

 

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March 15
Still Before God
Bible in a Year:

• Deuteronomy 26–27
• Mark 14:27–53

Be still, and know that I am God.

Psalm 46:10
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Psalm 46
The first photograph of a living person was taken by Louis Daguerre in 1838. The photo depicts a figure on an otherwise empty avenue in Paris in the middle of an afternoon. But there’s an apparent mystery about it; the street and sidewalks should have been bustling with the traffic of carriages and pedestrians at that time of day, yet none can be seen.
The man wasn’t alone. People and horses were there on the busy Boulevard du Temple, the popular area where the photo was taken. They just didn’t show up in the picture. The exposure time to process the photograph (known as a Daguerreotype) took seven minutes to capture an image, which had to be motionless during that time. It appears that the man on the sidewalk was the sole person photographed because he was the only one standing still—he was having his boots shined.
Sometimes stillness accomplishes what motion and effort can’t. God tells His people in Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” Even when nations are “in uproar” (v. 6) and “the earth” shakes (v. 2), those who quietly trust in Him will discover in Him “an ever-present help in trouble” (v. 1).
The Hebrew verb rendered “be still” can also be translated “cease striving.” When we rest in God instead of relying on our limited efforts, we discover Him to be our unassailable “refuge and strength” (v. 1).
By: James Banks
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Reflect & Pray
How will you “show up” for God by being still before Him today? Where do you need to trust Him more?
Heavenly Father, please help me to trust in You and to rest in the quiet awareness of Your unfailing love.

 

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UNDERSTANDING THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN
March 15, 2023
“He (Jesus) was handed over to die because of our sins, and He was raised to life to make us right with God.” Romans 4:25
Have you ever read parts of the Old Testament and thought that some of God’s commands and judgments seemed a bit – harsh?

Take the story of Joshua conquering the Promised Land, for example.

In Joshua chapter 6, we read God commanding the army of Israel to eliminate the people of Jericho – everyone except for Rahab, the prostitute, and her family because she had faith in the One True God of Israel.

For many Christians, this is a very disturbing command coming from the God of mercy and love that we read about in the New Testament. So how can we understand these harsh judgments written about in ancient times?

The difference between the Old Testament and New Testament is in the way God dealt with sin. You see, when God commanded the Israeli army to eliminate the people of Jericho, He was ridding the land of evil. He was dealing with the people’s sins. And sin, whether in the Old or New Testament, deserves death.

So how do we account for seemingly different responses to sin in the Old and New Testaments?

The answer is Jesus. The New Testament is all about Jesus, who paid the penalty for our sins. Jesus died on the cross – in our place, for our sins.

You see, the consequence of sin is the same. It is always death. The difference is Jesus taking our place.

And when we choose to believe in Jesus Christ, God cleanses us of our past, our baggage, our mistakes, and our sins.

God is the same. His judgment of sin is the same – but thanks to Jesus, God gives us a way to be forgiven of our sins.

Today, you can be sure that your past is forgiven, your life secure, and your eternity guaranteed – all because of Jesus. And it starts when you put your trust and faith in Him.

What an incredible gift!


Written by Bryant Wright, Founder, RFTH

 

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PUT ON WHAT JESUS PURCHASED
March 16, 2023
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12
Icouldn’t believe my eyes.

Hanging in my son’s closet was a shirt I had bought him months before. To my surprise, the price tags still dangled from the collar. Apparently, the shirt had never been worn!

As a dad who works hard to provide for his family, this was beyond frustrating. I didn’t buy the shirt so it could be hidden away in his closet, never to see the light of day. I bought it for him to wear and enjoy.

So why in the world had he never put it on?

Without warning, the Holy Spirit whispered to my heart, “Jonathan, you do the exact same thing. You often neglect to put on the clothes Jesus purchased for you.”

Ouch.

The Spirit then gently reminded me of Paul’s words in Colossians 3.

Having trusted in Jesus for salvation, we have been “raised with Him,” brought to life through His sacrificial death and resurrection (Colossians 3:1). Incidentally, we can’t live like we used to. We are called to “clothe ourselves” with Christlike character, showcasing that salvation has truly made a difference in our lives.

And what difference is that?

Jesus has transformed us into brand-new people with brand-new identities. We are “holy,” set apart for His purposes (verse 12). We are God’s “dearly loved” sons and daughters (verse 12).

However, this new identity can’t just be something we embrace in theory but not in practice. It must manifest itself in everyday life. So, practically speaking, we “take off” what belongs to our old identity- “sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires…, anger, rage, lies,” etc. and put on our new, Christlike “clothes” (Colossians 3:5-10).

Yet, we often leave “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” hanging in the closet, if you will, content to walk around wearing our old wardrobe (Colossians 3:12).

This should give us a serious pause.

If we really want to dress in the character of Christ, it will take a series of deliberate choices…much like the way we put on our actual, physical clothes.

For example, every night before bed, I make a mental note of what I’m planning to wear the next day. After I wake up and shower, I walk into my closet and get dressed.

I once heard a pastor say, “Our clothes don’t automatically jump from our closet to our bodies. We have to get them off the hanger or out of the drawer and physically put them on.”

The same goes for our spiritual clothes too.

We must intentionally choose to put on “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” each and every day. In reality, it’s a choice we must make multiple times throughout the day, not just in the morning.

I’ve found that when I’m in the middle of a stressful situation or some kind of relational conflict, I naturally operate out of my old nature. Therefore, in the heat of the moment, I must consciously choose to wear clothes that are consistent with my new nature.

And I’m called to make this choice over and over again. After all, my character should be an outward reflection of the inner commitment I’ve made to follow Jesus…even in the challenging scenarios of life.

Is it easier said than done? You bet.

But Jesus gives us grace and strength for the journey.

So, why not give it a try? Make the intentional choice to put on the clothes that Jesus bought for you.

Now, if you’ll pardon me, I’m going to go talk to my son about that shirt.


Written by Jonathan Munson, Executive Director, RFTH

 

[jamskie]

amen

 

[boldstardex]

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March 20
Catching Contentment
Bible in a Year:

• Joshua 4–6
• Luke 1:1–20

I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.

Psalm 131:2
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Psalm 131
In a psychiatrist’s advice column, he responded to a reader named Brenda, who lamented that her ambitious pursuits had left her discontented. His words were blunt. Humans aren’t designed to be happy, he said, “only to survive and reproduce.” We’re cursed to chase the “teasing and elusive butterfly” of contentment, he added, “not always to capture it.”
I wonder how Brenda felt reading the psychiatrist’s nihilistic words and how different she may have felt had she read Psalm 131 instead. In its words, David gives us a guided reflection on how to find contentment. He begins in a posture of humility, putting his kingly ambitions aside, and while wrestling life’s big questions is important, he puts those aside too (v. 1). Then he quiets his heart before God (v. 2), entrusting the future into His hands (v. 3). The result is beautiful: “like a weaned child with its mother,” he says, “I am content” (v. 2).
In a broken world like ours, contentment will at times feel elusive. In Philippians 4:11–13, the apostle Paul said contentment is something to be learned. But if we believe we’re only designed to “survive and reproduce,” contentment will surely be an uncatchable butterfly. David shows us another way: catching contentment through quietly resting in God’s presence.
By: Sheridan Voysey
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Reflect & Pray
When do you most feel content? How could you set aside unhurried time to be quietly present with God today?
Dear God, I rest in You, the deepest well of my truest contentment.

 

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March 21
Spiritual Renewal
Bible in a Year:

• Joshua 7–9
• Luke 1:21–38

Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:16

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Today's Scripture & Insight:
2 Corinthians 4:16–18
Chinese medicine has practiced pearl powder exfoliation for thousands of years, using ground pearls to scrub away dead cells resting at the top of the skin. In Romania, rejuvenating therapeutic mud has become a widely sought-after exfoliant that’s purported to make skin youthful and glowing. All over the world, people use body care practices they believe will renew even the dullest of skin.
The tools we’ve developed to maintain our physical bodies, however, can only bring us temporary satisfaction. What matters more is that we remain spiritually healthy and strong. As believers in Jesus, we’re given the gift of spiritual renewal through Him. The apostle Paul wrote, “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16). The challenges we face daily can weigh us down when we hold on to things like fear, hurt, and anxiety. Spiritual renewal comes when we “fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen” (v. 18). We do this by turning our daily worries over to God and praying for the fruit of the Holy Spirit—including love, joy, and peace—to emerge anew in our lives (Galatians 5:22–23). When we release our troubles to God and allow His Spirit to radiate through us each day, He restores our souls.
By: Kimya Loder
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Reflect & Pray
How can you ask God to renew your spirit? How does the work of the Holy Spirit encourage you today?
Jesus, each day I face obstacles that try to break my spirit. Sometimes I feel defeated, but I know that through You my spirit can be renewed.
For further study, read A Story of a Life Led by the Spirit.

 

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March 22
Permission to Rest
Bible in a Year:

• Joshua 10–12
• Luke 1:39–56

God had finished the work . . . so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
Genesis 2:2

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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Genesis 1:31–2:2
We sat atop some beach boulders, my friend Soozi and I, watching the foam send up sea spray in arched curls. Looking at the incoming waves crashing one after another against the rocks, Soozi announced, “I love the ocean. It keeps moving so I don’t have to!”
Isn’t it interesting how some of us feel we need “permission” to pause from our work to rest? Well, that’s just what our good God offers us! For six days, God spun the earth into existence, creating light, land, vegetation, animals, and humans. Then on the seventh day, He rested (Genesis 1:31–2:2). In the Ten Commandments, God listed His rules for healthy living to honor Him (Exodus 20:3–17), including the command to remember the Sabbath as a day of rest (vv. 8–11). In the New Testament, we see Jesus healing all the sick of the town (Mark 1:29–34) and then early the next morning retreating to a solitary place to pray (v. 35). Purposefully, our God both worked and rested.
The rhythm of God’s provision in work and His invitation to rest reverberates around us. Spring’s planting yields growth in summer, harvest in autumn, and rest in winter. Morning, noon, afternoon, evening, night. God orders our lives for both work and rest, offering us permission to do both.
By: Elisa Morgan
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Reflect & Pray
How would you assess the balance in your life between work and rest? When and how might you pause each day to reflect on God’s example of rhythm and rest?
Dear God, thank You that You made me to follow after Your heart, to both work and rest for Your glory and my good.

 

[boldstardex]

A PROBLEM SAYING “NO”
March 22, 2023
“The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age…” Titus 2:11
Do you have a problem saying “No?”

You’re not alone. Many of us do. But saying “Yes” too often leaves us spread thin and running on empty.

Have you ever considered the spiritual discipline of saying “No?” Resisting the pull of temptation is even harder than resisting the pull toward over-commitment.

The good news is that God’s grace equips us with the capacity to say “No” when it matters most.

God’s grace, His unmerited favor in Christ, should have a direct impact on our daily choices and behavior. Grace is meant to teach us, not just amaze us. To put it another way, grace should instruct us on how to live. We are to receive a moment-by-moment education from the life-changing power of grace.

Perhaps nothing is a greater testimony to the reality of the grace of Jesus than resisting temptation and trying to live differently than our surrounding culture. Countless temptations assail us, both internally and externally, especially in the postmodern 21st century.

Let’s be honest. It’s one thing to know that certain behavior is wrong. It’s far more challenging to say “No” to that same behavior and walk away from it.

Yet, every temptation we face presents us with this choice:

• Will we yield to enticing “worldly passions,” effectively saying “No” to Jesus?
• Or will we say “Yes” to obeying Jesus, effectively saying “No” to the seduction of the world?

This scenario plays out numerous times a day in all kinds of practical situations, each affording us the opportunity to demonstrate the transformative effect of grace.

Of course, this is much easier said than done.

It’s important to note, however, that the fight against temptation is not won by sheer willpower. Otherwise, we’re as doomed to fail as a dieter trying to resist the very tempting chocolate cake on the kitchen counter.

First and foremost, saying “No” is a response to grace. This is why Paul reminds us that in Jesus, “grace appeared” (v.11). Jesus is literally the embodiment of grace. If our only response to His grace is a nonchalant “Thank you,” then perhaps we don’t really understand what we’ve received. We are the recipients of grace so unbelievably astonishing that it should motivate us to surrender every aspect of our lives to Him, including our daily choices.

Moreover, the same grace that saves us also enables us to say “No” by gradually changing us from the inside out, transforming our desires to be more aligned with His.

If you have a problem saying “No” (and I imagine you do), why not spend a few moments having an honest conversation with Jesus?

Then, resolve to walk in humble obedience by saying “Yes” to Him and “No” to the lure of temptation.


Written by Jonathan Munson, Executive Director, RFTH

 

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March 24
Recognizing God’s Voice
Bible in a Year:

• Joshua 16–18
• Luke 2:1–24

I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
Acts 20:32

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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Acts 20:22–32
After years of research, scientists have learned that wolves have distinct voices that help them communicate with each other. Using a specific sound analysis code, one scientist realized that various volumes and pitches in a wolf’s howl enabled her to identify specific wolves with 100 percent accuracy.
The Bible provides many examples of God recognizing the distinct voices of His beloved creations. He called Moses by name and spoke to him directly (Exodus 3:4–6). The psalmist David proclaimed, “I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain” (Psalm 3:4). The apostle Paul also emphasized the value of God’s people recognizing His voice.
When bidding farewell to the Ephesian elders, Paul said the Spirit had “compelled” him to head to Jerusalem. He confirmed his commitment to follow God’s voice, though he didn’t know what to expect upon his arrival (Acts 20:22). The apostle warned that “savage wolves” would “arise and distort the truth,” even from within the church (vv. 29–30). Then, he encouraged the elders to remain diligent in discerning God’s truth (v. 31).
All believers in Jesus have the privilege of knowing that God hears and answers us. We also have the power of the Holy Spirit who helps us recognize God’s voice, which is always in alignment with the words of Scripture.
By: Xochitl Dixon
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Reflect & Pray
What false teaching has God helped you combat as you studied Scripture? When has He used the Bible to encourage you?
Dear God, when the noise of the world around me threatens to make me wander from You, please help me recognize and obey Your voice.

 

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March 27
God Is Listening
Bible in a Year:

• Judges 1–3
• Luke 4:1–30

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
James 5:16

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Today's Scripture & Insight:
James 5:13–16
Chuck, an actor and martial artist, honored his mother on her hundredth birthday by sharing how instrumental she’d been in his spiritual transformation. “Mom has been an example of perseverance and faith,” he wrote. She raised three boys on her own during the Great Depression; suffered the death of two spouses, a son, a stepson, and grandchildren; and endured many surgeries. “[She] has prayed for me all my life, through thick and thin.” He continued, “When nearly losing my soul to Hollywood, she was back home praying for my success and salvation.” He concluded, “I thank [my mom] for helping God to make me all I can and should be.”
The prayers of Chuck’s mother helped him to find salvation—and a godly wife. She prayed fervently for her son, and God heard her prayers. We don’t always get our prayers answered the way we’d like, so we cannot use prayer as a magic wand. However, James assures us that “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (5:16). Like this mom, we’re to continue to pray for the sick and those in trouble (vv. 13–15). When, like her, we commune with God through prayer, we find encouragement and peace and the assurance that the Spirit is at work.
Does someone in your life need salvation or healing or help? Lift your prayers to God in faith. He’s listening.
By: Alyson Kieda
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Reflect & Pray
When have you seen God answer your fervent prayers? Who continues to be in your prayers?
Dear Father, help me to continually be in prayer and not to give up. Thank You for Your love that helps me persevere.