Month: July 2024

Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves.
Mark 6:39-41

Give Thanks

Daily Devotion – July 31, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 6:39-41


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I grew up with a family of five boys and no girls. Yes, I can hear you now: “Your poor mother!” Trust me, she’ll tell you every chance she gets how thankful she is for her five sons. As you can imagine, with five growing boys in the house, food was constantly consumed. After a long day of school, combined with a grueling football practice, we were ready to chow down. However, before a single dish was passed, before one morsel of food from the fork went into our mouths, first things first: we gave thanks to God!

There were more than a few people in the crowd that day who had bellies aching for food. It was just about dinner time, and some hadn’t eaten in hours. And with that hunger, it wouldn’t be difficult to imagine some cranky, ornery attitudes.

But look at how the scene is described—a beautiful and pleasant picnic. The people aren’t shoving or shoveling food in their mouths. There’s no fighting or complaining. Instead, they politely take their places for this feast Jesus has prepared. They patiently wait for food to come. However, before any of the bread or fish are distributed, Jesus does something awesome. He looks up to the heavens and gives thanks to his Father in heaven for this gift of a meal.

It is good for us to give thanks to God for all of the blessings he provides. When we do that, we remember that it is God who blesses us with everything we have and focus on him rather than those gifts.

God has blessed us with so much—food, clothing, homes, friends! But the greatest gift of all is sending us a Savior from our sin, a Savior who has won us a seat in the banquet hall of heaven.

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for all that you have provided for me. Help me to always focus on you, the Giver, rather than the gifts. Amen.

“How many loaves do you have?” [Jesus] asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.” Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.
Mark 6:38-44

Use this, Jesus!

Daily Devotion – July 30, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 6:38-44


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The crowd had swelled to over 5,000 men. That number didn’t include the women and children who had come to see Jesus that day. As the sun began to set, Jesus’ disciples, exhausted from ministering to the people, begged their Rabbi to dismiss the crowd so that the crowd could go find something to eat. But Jesus wanted to test these disciples of his. He told them to check with those in the crowd what food anyone had. When the disciples returned, all they had found was a meager meal—a few dinner rolls and a couple of fish. Yet, miraculously, with this meager meal, thousands of people were fed!

There are massive amounts of people in need of help and care all around us. At times, it can feel overwhelming, even pointless. And so, at times, we do nothing. But, my friend, look what Jesus can do with so little!

Consider what you have and give it to the Savior. Like the faith of that little boy, hand it over to him and pray, ‘Use this, Jesus! Use my prayers. Use my offerings. Use me with all of my faults and frailties to bring others to know the peace that has been secured for your children, the forgiveness that you’ve given for mankind, and the eternal paradise you’ve built for those who trust in you.’

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I know that you can use my gifts, abilities, and offerings to accomplish great things. Give me a willingness to commit those things to you. Amen.

By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But [Jesus] answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?”
Mark 6:35-37

It Would Take a Miracle

Daily Devotion – July 29, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 6:35-37


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The crowds had flocked to see this miracle man. Word had spread faster than a brush fire about his command over demons and his ability to heal the sick, even raise the dead. The crowds had come to hopefully witness something amazing. So many people had come that they had to move to the outskirts of town to accommodate the numbers. But now, as the hour of the day was late, it was time for the people to head home.

Jesus’ disciples begged him to send the people away. ‘We’ve helped them enough. Send them home for supper. It would be impossible for us to feed all of them,’ they concluded.

Didn’t Jesus see this coming? Didn’t he know that this was going to happen? Of course, he did! In John 6:6, we’re told that “he already had in mind what he was going to do” and that he did this to test his disciples. He wanted them to see the hopelessness of the situation. He wanted them to see that it would take a miracle to solve this problem. And that is exactly what Jesus did!

We would be stranded on a hill of hopelessness, spiritually speaking, if we were all by ourselves. We would starve because of our sin and be lost to an eternity in hell. It would take a miracle to solve this problem.

But, my friend, that is exactly what Jesus did! He saved us from our guilt and sin. He provided us with the miracle we needed by laying down his life on the cross so that we wouldn’t be lost.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for saving me from desolation and eternal death. Remind me to continue to turn to you every day when my life seems dire. Amen.

In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the LORD’S hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.” . . . The LORD said to Moses, “I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.’” That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor. When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread the LORD has given you to eat.”
Exodus 16:2,3,11-15

Always Complaining

Daily Devotion – July 28, 2024

Devotion based on Exodus 16:2,3,11-15


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We are all good at complaining. In whatever way God blesses us, we’re likely to find something wrong. “I have to get up so early.” “I waited in line forever!” “The weather is too hot…too cold…too wet…too dry.”

The Bible reading today from the book of Exodus takes us to the time when God had rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. After walking some distance in the desert, they started to complain. They missed the food they had as slaves in Egypt. Sure, the Lord had just freed them from slavery, but with complaining hearts, they wondered what he was going to do for them now.

The Lord didn’t forget his people; he continued to provide what they needed. He sent quail in the evening to feed them. In the morning, he gave them bread to eat.

We are so ready to complain and forget God’s goodness! Yet, our amazing Lord continues to bless us. He provides everything we need.

The best of all his gifts is our Savior. In love, he gave Jesus. Jesus complained about nothing—even when he was unjustly nailed to the cross. On that cross, he suffered for all our complaining and paid for all our sins. Through Jesus, our Father has given us everything we need spiritually—his forgiveness, his love, his eternal life.

No complaint about that!

Prayer:
Lord, forgive all my complaints. Thank you for generously blessing me beyond what I deserve! Amen.

“I myself will gather the remnant of my flock . . . and will bring them back to their pasture . . . I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the LORD.
Jeremiah 23:3,4

God Takes Matters into His Own Hands

Daily Devotion – July 27, 2024

Devotion based on Jeremiah 23:3,4


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You have, no doubt, heard it said, “If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.” A parent gives a child a task but feels compelled to step in and fix it when things go wrong. A church leader assigns a project to a volunteer but is frustrated when it doesn’t turn out as planned.

That’s not a good approach to parenting or leadership. It is usually better to let people grow and learn from their mistakes than to do it for them. But sometimes, you have no choice. You have to step in and do it yourself.

Six centuries before Jesus was born, the spiritual shepherds of Israel weren’t doing their job. They were hurting the people instead of helping them. Instead of speaking the truth and leading the people to the Lord, they were telling lies and leading them to pray to and worship false gods.

When God saw this, he was furious. Out of love for his people, he punished those false teachers. And he took matters into his own hands. He sent faithful pastors and prophets to speak the truth and care for the people.

Six hundred years later, God showed his love even more vividly. He took matters into his own hands when he sent his own Son. Jesus came to rescue us, who too easily believe lies and wander from the truth. He knew we were helpless to save ourselves, so he did it for us, dying in our place to save us from death.

God loves you too much to let anything go wrong with your eternity. He took matters into his own hands so that you could be with him forever.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for taking my salvation into your own hands. Send faithful shepherds to care for your flock on earth. Amen.

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.
Hebrews 13:17,18

Pray for Your Shepherds

Daily Devotion – July 26, 2024

Devotion based on Hebrews 13:17,18


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A recent poll by the Pew Research Center shows fewer than two in ten Americans trust the federal government. Confidence in leadership is near an all-time low. Most Americans view the government with skepticism rather than trust.

And it’s not just the government Americans aren’t trusting. A 2021 poll by the University of Chicago found that 88% of Americans have little or no trust in religious leaders. In the span of about 40 years, religion went from being one of the most trusted institutions to one of the least.

There are many reasons for this decline, but it doesn’t change the fact that thousands of religious leaders faithfully work in the church. There are pastors who care about the people in their congregation. They know they are the shepherds of their flock and must give an account of their work someday. They study God’s Word—first applying it to their own lives and then to the lives of their people. These pastors strive to love their people the same way Jesus loves them.

The writer to the Hebrews says, “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority.” It’s easy to have confidence, trust, and submit when you agree with everything your spiritual leader does. But what about when you disagree? You can still treat leaders with love and respect, even through disagreements. In fact, that’s what God calls his people to do.

Treating each other with love and respect will make the shepherd’s work a joy and not a burden. Joyful service is a benefit in God’s kingdom, while constant strife and complaining can hinder spiritual growth.

Above all, pray for your leaders. Leaders face numerous challenges and temptations and need the strength and wisdom that comes from God. Praying for your leaders helps them remain steadfast in their mission and live honorably.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, my ultimate confidence is found in you. Help the members of your Church treat each other with love and respect. Amen.

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:7,8

Role Model

Daily Devotion – July 25, 2024

Devotion based on Hebrews 13:7,8


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In 1991, the beverage company Gatorade released a commercial called “Be Like Mike” featuring basketball superstar Michael Jordan. Highlights of Michael Jordan dunking and shooting were followed by videos of children imitating his moves and even playing against Jordan.

The commercial was brilliant because it harnessed the wishful desires of many who viewed Jordan as a role model and imagined what it would be like to have that kind of basketball skill. They wanted to be like him, and so they imitated him.

The writer of the Book of Hebrews states the idea of imitation is a sound one. But instead of setting your sights on a sports superstar or celebrity, change your gaze. Imitate the everyday life of the leaders who have modeled for you a Christ-filled life and taught you the gospel truth.

Model the prayer life of the old bedridden widow who prays constantly. Imitate the couple who would sooner miss breakfast than an opportunity to worship in church. Be like the brothers and sisters who give of themselves in the love of Christ.

Are these people perfect? Of course not. But they don’t have to be. They put their faith in the One who is perfect for them and never changes. Leaders come and go. Role models pass away. But what they taught and believed remains the same: Jesus Christ.

Jesus has kept every single one of his promises. Remember your spiritual leaders and role models. Jesus remained faithful to them until the end. Jesus will remain faithful to you always. He will keep every promise to you and does not change. His promises do not waver. His love never fails.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for the gift of spiritual leaders and role models. Help me to imitate their faith. May I always find comfort in your changelessness. Amen.

“I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the Lord. “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.”
Jeremiah 23:4-6

Compassionate Shepherds

Daily Devotion – July 24, 2024

Devotion based on Jeremiah 23:4-6


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The people of Judah had a leadership problem. The line of kings had failed them. For the most part, these kings led their people astray through idol worship, not listening to God’s prophets, and moral corruption. Instead of shepherding their people to safety and green pastures, they led them to their doom.

That line of kings would end with one named Zedekiah, a name that means “the Lord is righteous.” However, Zedekiah never lived up to that name. He would be the last descendant of the great King David to sit on Israel’s throne. Those kings had failed. So God himself would step in to be their Shepherd King.

And the name of this new King? The Lord Our Righteous Savior. This King would live up to his name. He is none other than Jesus Christ. Jesus is our righteousness because he did everything right in our place. He fulfilled God’s law perfectly for us. Jesus is our Savior because he took the punishment our sins deserved and saved us from eternal death. He is the King, greater than David, and rules eternally.

As our ultimate Shepherd King, Jesus places shepherds into our lives to care for our spiritual needs. Pastors lead us to the green pastures of God’s Word. They calm our fears with the promises found in the gospel, the forgiveness of sins, and eternal life with Jesus. Pastors come looking for us when we go astray, calling us back to the Lord. They know their job isn’t about them, but about the Lord Our Righteous Savior.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for coming to be my Shepherd King and for giving me your righteousness so that I can stand before God. And thank you for compassionate pastors who point me to you. Amen.