The Embrace of God

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, JUNE 30

John 14:23 ESV NASB

Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.

"The Embrace of God"

Adrian Edwards was separated from his parents as a toddler, passed along from institution to foster home, and introduced to a life of crime at a young age. As a teenager, he was convicted of armed robbery and spent time in Western Australia’s Fremantle jail. There, in a strange twist of fate, he met his father who was serving time for murder.

Adrian was released but longed to see his father again. Father and son did meet again when Adrian was convicted a second time. Adrian served his sentence and was released, but he desired to be with his father. Finally, a string of armed robberies had Adrian back in the courts. “He is looking forward to spending a long period of time incarcerated with his father,” his lawyer informed the judge. A long sentence followed. Adrian’s plan to be with his dad was finally fulfilled. Orphans long for their parent’s embrace and will do extraordinary things to receive it. Thankfully, there’s a God who longs for His children and goes to extraordinary lengths to embrace us. “I will not abandon you as orphans,” Jesus once told His disciples (John 14:18). They had met their Creator-incarnate (1:3) and would soon lose Him for a time (14:1-2), but they were not to fret. He was going to prepare their heavenly room and would return to collect them (v.3). He was sending them the Holy Spirit, who would “never leave.” (v.16). And as the Spirit was received into the disciples’ obedient hearts, Jesus said something extraordinary would happen: Father, Son, and Spirit together would come and live within them (v.23). The disciples would be wrapped in the embrace of God—in intimate union with Jesus and the Father (v.20).

This promise stands for all—for Adrian Edwards and for us. Love the Son, receive the Spirit, and be embraced in the Father’s arms. —Sheridan Voysey

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Even In The Dark

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, JUNE 29

Psalms 139:1 ESV NASB

O LORD , You have searched me and known me.

"Even In The Dark"

Joining the rash of reality television shows in the United States, Dating in the Dark hit the airwaves last summer. Each week, three guys and three girls got together for a week of dates—in a darkened room. They all made the rounds, talking and sharing meals as couples. But they never actually saw what one another looked like. At the end of the experiment, each of them picked the one they were most attracted to. Then, in a nerve-wracking encounter, they received glimpses of the other—discovering whether or not physical appearance ruined their attraction.

The whole enterprise preys on one of our most personal fears—if someone sees who we really are, they will want nothing to do with us. This fear is why I find Psalm 139 to be so amazing. David tells me that there is absolutely nothing about me that God does not see. It’s out in the open, bright as the sun. No matter where I go, whether “I travel [or] rest at home,” God sees (v.3). He knows my actions even before I think to do them (v.2). My most private thoughts echo in God’s ears. God hears “what I am going to say even before I say it” (v.4) There isn’t a single thing we can hide from God, no matter how hard we try.

Knowing this could make me fall down and cower before God. If God sees all my impure motives and my lustful thoughts and my shadowy desires, surely He finds me despicable. Surely God will push me aside with disgust.

Stunningly, David says just the opposite. “How precious are Your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!” (v.17). God’s kindness toward us flows with pure, undeserved generosity. We are free to come out of the dark because God already sees and knows us—and loves us anyway. —Winn Collier, Our Daily Journey

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Worn Out

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, JUNE 28

Exodus 17:11 ESV NASB

So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed.

"Worn Out"

I’m just so tired.” It’s a common phrase that I’ve heard from people in my counseling office over the years. Sometimes they say the words to play the “pity me” card. Others are unknowingly lying to themselves— falling deeper into discouragement and depression. But in many cases, they’re voicing a legitimate cry of an exhausted heart.

At a time when Israel was still growing as a nation, Moses found himself going through a difficult situation where he was physically and emotionally spent (Exodus 17:8-16). Journeying through the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land, the newly freed slaves came under attack by an experienced army of desert nomads known as the Amalekites.

During the battle, God instructed Moses to stand on top of a hill and hold up his staff (a symbol of God’s power). As long as Moses held the staff high, the Israelites won. When the staff became heavy and his arms started to lower, the Amalekites got the upper hand.

Over the course of the day, Moses started to tire. So the people rolled a rock underneath him to provide some support. A couple of men also stood next to Moses and held his weary arms up in the air until the battle was won (v.12).

As the story unfolds, it’s almost as if God intentionally put Moses in an impossible situation to teach him some important lessons. He and the people still had a lot to learn about living a new life of freedom. One of the things God wanted Moses to understand is this: When we run out of gas, we need help from others to get through.

Are you tired? Do you feel worn out? Learn from Moses and seek help from God and an earthly ally or two. —Jeff Olson

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Sock Puppet and Frenemy

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, JUNE 25

2 Corinthians 11:14 ESV NASB

No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

"Sock Puppet and Frenemy"

Do you use a sock puppet to secretly keep track of your frenemies? Plan to spend your staycation watching vlogs and webisodes?” If you’re not sure what all that means, turn to the latest edition of the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. The book of words has just added more than 100 new ones. Two new entries caught my attention: sock puppet and frenemies. A “sock puppet” is a false online identity used for deceptive purposes. A “frenemy” is someone who acts like a friend but is really an enemy.

The words sock puppet and frenemy definitely describe Satan. The evil one came to Eve as a frenemy, telling her what a friend might say. “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” (v.1). Don’t worry about the consequences. God is exaggerating. You won’t die! (v.4). God is withholding something better from you! (v.5).

The sock puppet misquoted God’s words to subtly cast doubt on His goodness. God’s command applied to only the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 2:16-17)—not to all trees. “You won’t die!” was a direct challenge to what God had emphatically warned: “You are sure to die” (v.17). Soon Eve, too, felt it was okay to modify God’s clear instruction: “You must not . . . even touch it” (3:3).

Totally deceived, Adam and his wife chose to disregard God’s instructions and warnings. Their actions created eternal consequences for all creation—the birth of evil, the presence of sin, and death.

Satan is no friend. He’s a sock puppet and a frenemy. Speaking from personal experience (Luke 22:31-34), Peter warns: Satan is your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stay alert. Watch out! (1 Peter 5:8). —K.T. Sim

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Foundations

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, JUNE 24

Ephesians 2:20 ESV NASB

having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone,

"Foundations"

A nearly finished 13-story apartment building in Shanghai toppled over like a lone domino pushed by an invisible hand. An engineer on site said, “When we arrived on the scene, we were very shook up. In my 46 years of work, I’ve never seen or heard of such a thing.” When they investigated, the engineers discovered that excavators had undermined the building when they dug out dirt for an underground parking garage. Even the sturdiest of buildings needs a foundation in order to stand.

So it is with us. We may build an impressive ministry for God, but we never grow so tall that we can afford to neglect our foundation. Indeed, the tallest buildings require the deepest foundations. With that said, our foundations are:

• Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11)—It’s good to serve in church, care for the poor, and follow current doctrinal discussions. But religious duties, social work, and theological knowledge are no substitute for knowing and loving Jesus.

• The Word of God (Ephesians 2:20)—It’s good to read Christian books, attend Christian concerts, and download sermons from our favorite preachers, but none of these should replace our diligent study of God’s Word.

• Obedience—Jesus said that a wise man builds his house upon a rock when he “listens to My teaching and follows it” (Matthew 7:24). It’s good to know the Word of God, but if we ignore His will and do what we want, we’re foolishly building our lives on sand.

The higher we grow, the deeper we must go. The wider we branch out, trying new ministries and attempting great things for God, the more important our foundation becomes. Don’t coast on your reputation or past success. Your life will crash if you ever stop loving Jesus and obeying His Word. —Mike Wittmer

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True View

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, JUNE 23

Romans 5:11 ESV NASB

And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

"True View"

Researchers Christian Smith and Melinda Lundquist Denton have coined a term for the religious beliefs of many teens—Moralistic Therapeutic Deism. Their view of God and faith—shared by a good portion of adults as well—is moralistic in that they think life is all about getting people to “be good.” Therapeutic stands for the reality that the teens feel that faith is solely to make them happy and feel good. And deism defines their view of God as the One who created the world but isn’t really involved in our lives today.

The apostle Paul had a very different view of God and our goodness. In Romans 5 he states that we were not born good, but dead in our sins (vv.6-8). Striving to “be good” will not work, for we can only be “made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ” (v.9).

Paul describes life as not being all about happiness, for we will face “problems and trials” (v.3). These challenges bring about helpful development of our character and hope in Jesus (vv.4-5). We may not always be happy, but we can “rejoice” because of what God has done and is doing in us (v.3).

Finally, Paul states: “We can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God” (v.11). The intimacy and relationship seen in the apostle’s inspired words are a far cry from a distant God who isn’t really involved in our lives. He loves us and His Spirit lives within us (v.5). Do Paul’s views of God and belief in Him jibe with your own? A true view of God and His active, redeeming work in our lives is essential for a transforming faith—one that glorifies and accurately reveals Him to others. —Tom Felten

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Expansion

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, JUNE 17

Isaiah 54:1 ESV NASB

“Shout for joy, O barren one, you who have borne no child; Break forth into joyful shouting and cry aloud, you who have not travailed; For the sons of the desolate one will be more numerous Than the sons of the married woman,” says the LORD .

"Expansion"

Looking out my back picture window, the normally peaceful view had become a bit of a wasteland. Scraps from our now nonexistent deck lay stacked against the fence, twisted sprinkler pipes poked out at varied angles from the red clay, and the once green grass now bore the violent claw marks from a backhoe. We had entered into an entirely new phase of our lives called “home renovation.”

Whether we’re referring to a physical building, our emotional landscape, or even our spiritual growth, expansion requires moving beyond what has been to what will be. Stirred by visions and dreams, we may willingly step into new territory with our hearts wide open and our expectations high. As hidden costs bubble up from beneath the flow of activity, however, questions fill our minds. Later, when back-to-back delays set in, discouragement threatens to derail the entire endeavor.

Dull, gray cement foundation blocks stand like unfeeling sentinels around the gaping hole where our hopes can be seen only by faith. In the chaos, we come face to face with the reality that we didn’t expect growth to be this . . . messy. Surely, we reason, if God were in it, shouldn’t it look better? As we look around, desperate for green pastures and quiet waters, we figure we must be somewhere in the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4).

A specialty of God, however, is bringing life from death. Pointing to places we thought were long past producing, God calls us to prepare for new growth (Isaiah 54:1). We are charged to “enlarge,” “build,” and “spread out” (v.2). Our role is to obey; His is to make it happen. When we make Him the Master Designer, we can rest assured that our plans do not go forth in vain (Psalm 127:1, 138:8).

--Regina Franklin, Our Daily Journey

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The Slippery Slope of Sin

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, JUNE 15

James 1:14 ESV NASB

But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.

The Slippery Slope of Sin

My friend had been a loving mother who put her Bible degree to good use by teaching Sunday school and participating in several Bible studies. But last month she informed her husband that she recently had two affairs and is open for more. After I recovered from the initial shock, I marveled at how quickly a person can destroy her marriage, family, reputation, and her fellowship with God. A lifetime of faithful obedience can be trashed in a single moment.

Or can it? While my friend’s meltdown came as a surprise to us, her self-destruction was the conclusion of a number of smaller compromises that snowballed down the slippery slope to adultery (James 1:14). A desire to be admired produced a hunger for male attention, which led to a lingering conversation, then a touch.

Large failures are the result of smaller sins (v.15). Jonah didn’t start out in the belly of a big fish. He landed there because he hated his enemies, which led him to run away from God, which forced God’s hand to get his attention (Jonah 1:3). If Jonah had put his feelings aside and obeyed God at the outset, all of his trouble would have been avoided.

Are there signs that you are open to temptation? Do you crave attention from members of the opposite sex? Do you go out of your way to talk with a particular person? Are you weighing the odds of getting caught if you fudge your taxes or cheat your employer? Has it been a while since you made time to pray?

We can walk with God for 30 years and then throw that sweet fellowship away in a flash. But we won’t if we check the smaller sins that are leading us there. Which direction are you running: toward God or away from Him?

--Mike Wittmer, Our Daily Journey

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Creating Rainbows

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, JUNE 14

Genesis 9:8 ESV NASB

Then God spoke to Noah and to his sons with him, saying,

"Creating Rainbows"

On Friday night, I saw one of the most beautiful sights I will ever see. No, I wasn't hiking in the mountains or watching the sunset. I was in a very ordinary setting actually - just driving home through downtown Richmond in rush hour traffic. The weather had developed schizophrenia and my windshield wipers were flashing at full speed even though the sun was shining. People were huddled under trees as they waited for their bus, and businessmen in suits were dashing toward their parking garages. The traffic report was not in my favor, and I resigned myself to a long drive home. That's when I saw it. One end of a rainbow touched the end of my street, seeming completely out of place with the city skyline and blaring horns. But the rainbow was there all the same; in fact, it grew brighter, until the colors were as distinct as they are in a child's coloring book. Then a second rainbow appeared over this first one, and as I got closer I could see both ends of the rainbows. I kept snapping pictures on my cell phone, even though I knew that no camera in the world could really capture those colors. That dreary late afternoon commute changed into something that was, well, magical - or, as Noah would have said, miraculous. That very ordinary day was transformed by the visible reminder of God's promise to Noah.

The commentator Matthew Henry read the Genesis passage and wrote these words: "The rainbow is the reflection of the beams of the sun, which intimates that all the glory and significancy of the seals of the covenant are derived from Christ the Sun of righteousness... As God looks upon the bow, that he may remember the covenant, so should we, that we also may be ever mindful of the covenant, with faith and thankfulness."

God displayed a visible reminder of His everyday grace on Friday for anyone who looked up, reminding me of the promise He made to extend a common grace to all living things. How often do I take that promise for granted? The truth is, I nearly yelled at a driver on that same drive home after I saw the rainbows, letting a momentary panic get in the way of meditating on an eternal promise. My perspective so often slips into the ordinary, when God's daily grace is all around me. My prayer this week is that I will not lose focus, but instead, remember the rainbow. Everything else pales in comparison with the brilliance of His glory.

Intersecting Faith & Life: Rainbows appear where the circumstances are just right - where there's rain and sun. Am I letting rainy day blues crowd out the sun, like I did in responding to the driver who cut me off? Or am I letting the sun break through the ordinary clouds and circumstances? The glory of the Lord shines most brilliantly not when everything is right with the world, but when I live my daily life in remembrance of what He has done for me. --Katherine Britton, Crosswalk.com News & Culture Editor

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More than a medal

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, JUNE 3RD

1 Corinthians 9:25 ESV NASB

Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

“More than a medal”

The apostle Paul appealed to the Christians in Corinth by comparing their lives to the races of the Isthmian games. As the runners conditioned their bodies to win a perishable wreath, so the Corinthians should strive to win a crown that will last forever (1 Corinthians 9:25). When I first read this verse, I thought that Paul was being naïve. Who cares about winning a wreath or a crown? The athletes in Corinth didn’t train so they would have something to wear on their heads. Like our Olympic athletes, they toiled for the pride, fame, and wealth that came from winning gold.

Then it struck me that Paul’s argument was brilliant. While athletes race for more than a wreath that will wither or a medal that will tarnish, even the renown and money that accompany these trophies will eventually fade. Can you name any of the winners of the Isthmian games? How many Corinthian coins do you have?

As the Isthmian games delivered trophies that were more than a wreath (and yet nearly as short-lived), so the race we’re running rewards us with an everlasting prize that is much more than a mere crown.

Paul told the church in Philippi that this prize is to “gain Christ and become one with Him,” for “everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” He wanted “to know Christ” so that He might receive Jesus’ righteousness and resurrection power (3:8-10). According to John Calvin, “as long as Christ remains outside of us . . . all that He has suffered and done . . . remains useless and of no value to us.” But when we are one with Jesus, all of His benefits become ours.

Our goal is not crowns but Christ. It’s to know and love Jesus, and to be known and loved by Him. —Mike Wittmer, Our Daily Journey

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Hannah’s adversary

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, JUNE 2ND

1 Samuel 1:15 ESV NASB

But Hannah replied, “No, my lord, I am a woman oppressed in spirit; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have poured out my soul before the LORD .

“Hannah’s adversary”

Caroline Petrie was suspended without pay last year. Her offense? She offered to pray for an elderly patient to whom she was giving care. When the married mom of two was informed of her discipline, she expressed sadness and surprise—but she didn’t lash out at her accuser or those who suspended her.

Her response reminds me a lot of Hannah’s in 1 Samuel 1. Her husband, Elkanah, had unwisely (and against God’s plan for marriage—Genesis 2:24) married another woman—possibly so that he could have children (v.2; see also Genesis 16:1-3, 30:3-10). This led to some ugly behavior. Peninnah—wife no. 2—taunted Hannah, gloating in the fact that she had borne Elkanah children while Hannah had none (v.6).

So how did Hannah respond to these attacks? Did she mount a counterattack and send back a volley of insults, including the fact that Elkanah actually loved her more than Peninnah? (v.5). Scripture reveals that she chose something else. She chose to pray.

Sobbing and groaning in raw, emotional pain (v.10), she poured out her heart to God (v.15). Instead of dwelling on her adversary, she chose to rest in the arms of her Advocate. And God heard her and chose to bless her with a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, “I asked the Lord for him” (v.19).

Will God always give us the desire of our heart? No. But we know He is good and that He will bring about the good works in our life that we need (Romans 8:28).

In Caroline Petrie’s life, God chose to restore her job after she chose to call on Him rather than curse her adversaries. Call on God as you face your adversary. He is listening. —Tom Felten, Our Daily Journey

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God’s unobstructed view

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, JUNE 1ST

Psalms 33:13 ESV NASB

The LORD looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men;

“God’s unobstructed view”

Every Sunday I drive an overloaded car full of former street kids to church. While I try to navigate the crazy Kampala roads, the boys are constantly demanding my attention.

“Look over there, Auntie Rox!” one shouts, “That’s where we used to find scrap to sell.” “See those men?” adds another. “They beat me and stole my shoes!” “I used to sleep on that sidewalk,” a third boy shares. “The (Ugandan) President often comes down this road. I thought if he saw my condition, he would do something about it.”

The third boy’s longing to be seen—so that his circumstances might improve—struck me profoundly, reminding me of people throughout Scripture who believed that God’s awareness of their situation was mandatory for their deliverance. King David, for example, when his own son Absalom was trying to kill him, said to his advisor and servants, “Perhaps the Lord will see that I am being wronged and will bless me because of these curses today” (2 Samuel 16:12).

Then there’s Hezekiah who, when the pressure mounted, pleaded, “Bend down, O Lord, and listen! Open Your eyes, O Lord, and see!” (Isaiah 37:17). Nehemiah cried out to God for mercy, exclaiming, “Look down and see me praying night and day for Your people Israel” (Nehemiah 1:6). And, Daniel, who found himself and the Israelites in yet another tight spot, lifted up a similar petition. “O my God, lean down and listen to me. Open Your eyes and see our despair” (Daniel 9:18).

Even though David, Hezekiah, Nehemiah, and Daniel didn’t sense God’s eyes upon them, He was perfectly aware of their trials (Psalm 33:13-14). In His intentional and flawless timing, He brought them from tough situations to places of safety and rejoicing. Give Him your challenges today. —Roxanne Robbins, Our Daily Journey

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