devo

I want a child like faith!

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So one of the great things about no school is time.  We have time to talk with our kids, and families, time to just sit back and reflect on our joys of being together….Ok so really I wish this previous statement were more true than not.  This past week I think I may have said out loud “Children it is time for all of you to be quarantined in your own rooms with head phones on.”  At one point all I heard was my daughters friends from school on Google hangouts. I heard endless giggling and talking.  My daughter was walking around the house and my wife turned to me and said we really are going to have to thank Jeff for starting all of our kids onto this group chat thing.  That all being said, I want to go back to that first statement.  I had this moment tonight where Jesus began to teach through my daughter because I was around in these day to listen to her.

Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

Luke 18:15-17 ESV

We were sitting on the coach last night. I was tired and started watching a video called the Chosen. It is a new Jesus tv series you can stream for free. I actually really like it especially as I have been reading through the Gospels this Lenten season.  The show in episode 7 shows Nicodemus coming to Jesus to hear those famous words in John 3:16.  Ella looks at me as she is sitting and watching and says “Dad I have so many questions for when Jesus comes.  Will he just tell us all these things or will we know?”  I looked at her and said I don’t really know but I am excited too.  I can’t wait to fully understand all of this.  She asked if we could watch one more episode but I said tomorrow.  She wants to watch all of them with me again because she missed the early ones.

I was moved by this whole moment because of her hunger for Jesus.  This kid reminded me of the child like faith I so quickly lose in my life.  She was so innocent in her want to know Jesus and fully understand him.  To fully understand His love for us.  How are you doing in your child like faith?  I know I have more often than not come to reading the word as a chore or something to get through, or something to do for work.  I want to be more like my younger daughter and come to it with such excitement that I can’t help but smile when I hear about Jesus.  May we all find this child like faith in these coming days.

Peace I give you…Opportunities to share that peace today.

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Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

John 14:27 English Standard Version (ESV)

I have two stories to share with you in this time of struggle. Maybe Jesus is leading us as Christians to be those who help bring peace not fear, to bring joy instead of heartache.

Today as I made my way out and about to do my weekly grocery stuff for the house I was was reminded that people need peace.  I went to Meijer to get groceries.  I stopped two people who were working after I saw them sound exacerbated with people asking questions and generally people being angry with the workers.  I just walked over stopped them and said “Thank you for serving us,  I really appreciate what you are here doing for everyone including myself.”  The two I talked with, for just a few seconds, were shocked and said thank you.  I hope it set their day in a new direction of peace in these tough time.

Later today I was outside with my kid and my neighbor walked over.  He was curious about some work I had done on my house and asked if I liked it.  As we talked about it our conversation turned to his anxiousness about what is happening between his retirement accounts, and getting food.  As we talked I had the opportunity to share with him about how God is working in all this and how we will all get through this. We cant control these things so I trust in Jesus to get us through this. He walked away thanking me for helping him feel less anxious.

These stories aren’t about me. They are about how right now our world needs to see peace and calm.  Our world doesn’t need more things to worry about, but needs to see Christians caring for our neighbors, sharing the peace we have in Jesus.  So today if it is your neighbor, or your family, or your co-workers be someone who brings peace and joy, not worry or tension.  People need that today as they do every day.

He who has ears let him hear…reading your bible while driving!

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I will be honest I have struggled to stay up on my reading of the Gospels through Lent. I knew that I would at some point fall behind, but I was committed to try and read during Lent. Yesterday I realized I was almost a week behind. I had about an hour drive for something yesterday by myself and thought I should catch up. I am sure you all are thinking while you drive you shouldn’t be reading your bible. And you are right. Driving and reading is not a good a idea unless you want to really meet Jesus face to face.

Instead of reading I got on my Bible app (before driving) and had it read to me. I would not say it is my favorite way to read the scripture. I like to highlight and take notes but it is what I needed. So there I was in the car by myself and I got to the gospel of Mark. Over and over in the first few chapters where those words:

And he said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Mark 4:9 (ESV)

We don’t always like to listen. I don’t like to listen. Life can get so busy that I forget to be in the word or prayer. I can get caught up in all the memes, social media, and life drama and miss Jesus speaking to me.

So are you listening to Jesus? As we make our way to the cross are we listening to Jesus. I hope as we journey toward the cross I don’t get this far behind again. My prayer for all of us is that we take the time to listen and hear through the power of the Holy Spirit what Jesus is saying to us today and always.

Reading the Gospels in Lent…Compassion and Hope.

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So I have made it a couple of days through my reading of the Gospels.  I will be honest I have never been very good and being consistent with reading the scripture on a daily basis.  So as I keep reading I pray God will continue to speak in these words to you and me. If you would like to journey by reading in this way don’t be afraid to start up.

If she could only touch his garment.  Those words from Matthew 9:21-22 touched me this week.

Matthew 9:21-22 English Standard Version (ESV)
21 for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” 22 Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well.

This story has always been one that gets to me.  Here is a women who has no hope in anything but Jesus. As a women who bleeds she couldn’t go to the temple or be with God.  She would have been an outcast in her community. She would have been an outcast and no one would have had any compassion on Her. All she had left was Jesus.  In her head she says those words.  If only I could touch him.  Then I will be healed. Then I will be made well

I had two questions for us this week.  Do you and I long for Jesus in this way?  Do you and I think if I could just get to Jesus then my life might be different.  I know for myself I try to fix it all on my own most of the time. I trust I can fix everything but when things get out of hand and things get beyond my skills and abilities I don’t always do this.  I want to be someone to thinks, if I could only get to Jesus!

The second question to ponder this week is are you alone.  Do you feel like no one has any compassion on your or care that you are here.  Where are you on your journey?  Are you at the point in your life where you just need Jesus.  Are you at the point in your life where you feel you are an outcast or lost and it seems no one sees you are can help?

If you are in this place come to my friend Jesus.  He has compassion on you and He can make you well.

As we read more over the coming weeks I pray we all see Jesus bring us who are outcasts and lost closer to Jesus.  My prayer for all of you this week is that you will get to touch Jesus who has compassion on you.

  Matthew 9:36 English Standard Version (ESV)
36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.