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MEDITATION:

Written by Laura Georgakakos, a contemporary editor and writer. This is an excerpt from her book “Grace Notes.”

While my friend Meg was on vacation years ago, I was at her apartment each day to feed her cat. On the first day, opening a kitchen drawer in search of a can opener, I found instead an index card titled “My Wish List.” It was Meg’s list of the little things she eventually wanted to get for her new apartment. A peach-scented candle for the bathroom, a two-cup measuring cup…It was easy on her birthday soon after to surprise Meg with the things she most wanted. She marveled at each gift before I told her the secret of my inspiration. The Lord knows our wish lists by heart. We secretly suspect that committing to live for Him means having to lay aside our list and take up His for us—a list with nothing fun on it but only lots of religious activity and good deeds. A list without humor or music or dessert. A list with nothing frivolous on it or peach-scented. A list that will require a grim face and loads of self-discipline and elbow grease. A list that calls for sensible shoes. We mourn in advance all the loved things we suspect we will be required to give up. If we find such delight in them they must be selfish and not good for us, not spiritual. Riding our horse. Painting. Reading, solving a puzzle, playing music, tackling a challenge at work, having a party, running a marathon, playing Monopoly with our kids, looking at art. Debating politics. Napping. Rapping. But growing into our Christ-life is gain, not loss. It is the fulfillment of our truest self, not subjugation of it. The God who promises to give you the desires of your heart is the very God who created that heart. And as He created it, He was kneading into it every desire and longing your heart would ever have. It was His way of seeing you right into His plans for you, the plan perfectly suited to your passions and personality, experiences, and talents. The Lord God made them all. And He did so for the joy of fulfilling your life, not to deny or frustrate you. His plan for you preceded you. His will for your life preceded your desires and passions and talents. He composed those as the means of drawing you into His plan. The delights of your heart were His invention. Your joy is His intention. There will be delights we lay aside along the way but they will be relinquished willingly and by choice because something else has grown up to take their place. The Lord will not have His way at the expense of His children but rather through them—through the passions and inclinations and talents that He himself planted in our hearts for this very purpose.

PRAYER:

Written by Laura Georgakakos, the author of today’s meditation.

Lord, forgive my narrow view that sometimes sees life with You as loss to me. For all you are doing in me, through me, than You. For renewing my mind, for refocusing my eyes, for refining my tastes, thank You. More and more You are mine. More and more I am Yours. Amen.

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MEDITATION:

Written by N.T. Wright, a contemporary English theologian, New Testament scholar, author, and Anglican bishop. This is an excerpt from his book “The Case for the Psalms.”

The psalms celebrate, in almost embarrassingly vivid language, the belief that the creator of the universe has, for reasons best known to him, decided to take up residence on a small hill in the Judean uplands. The living God, the Psalms declare, has decided to make his own special home at the point where the fertile western escarpment meets the eastern wilderness. It is poised between garden and desert—almost as though God couldn’t quite make up his mind whether to settle firmly in a New Eden or to remain camped with his people in their wilderness wanderings. In David’s mind’s eye, at least, Jerusalem was designed to be seen as the place where, at last, Israel’s God would cease his wandering and dwell in one place…the psalms express, in a way that only those prepared to live at the intersection of the times will understand, the intersection of space: of God’s space with our space, of heaven with earth.

This is the point that Western modernity regards as so incomprehensible as to be laughable: the eternal creator coming to live at one point on the earth? Within classic philosophies, either the gods are far away in their own heaven and don’t get involved, as in Epicureanism, or they are omnipresent in a pantheistic world, as in Stoicism. Maybe, in ordinary ancient paganism, some gods or goddesses might decide to live or act in one place rather than another. But to suggest that the world’s sovereign creator might live in one place—well, it was not only philosophically ridiculous but also politically dangerous. That was part of the point. Once you say that the world’s creator lives in Jerusalem, you are going to go on to say—and the Psalms regularly do go on to say—that from Jerusalem he will rule all nations. Jerusalem is not the place where God’s people go to be in a safe retreat from the rest of the world. The living God establishes his throne in Zion so there his judgment will go out to all the nations. Zion is the place from which he will hear his people’s prayer and come to their rescue.

PRAYER:

Written by Debbie Przybylski, founder and director of Intercessors Arise International.

Father, I pray that You will visit us, and make Your presence known in my life and in my city. Give me faith to believe that You can change my city through prayer and through acts of love and compassion. Let Your Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. Help me to cultivate Your presence in my life. I choose to partner with You for transformation in my city. Help me to contend for my city in prayer with others. Remove the distractions in my life that keep me from Your presence. I repent of any pride or personal idols that have taken me away from having you in first place and being completely Yours. Take away any luke-warmness in my heart and set me on fire for You. Amen.

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MEDITATION:

Written by Steve Brown, a contemporary teacher, radio broadcaster, and founder of keylife.org.

The Christian life, following Christ’s example, is not so much a life of acting but of being. We are called to abide in Christ in exactly the same way Christ abides in the Father… We go to great lengths to get away from the principle that the Christian life means abiding in Christ in the same way Christ abides in the Father. We try harder and do more. We go to conferences. We read the Bible and pray a little more. We go to church every time the door is open. And then we think everything will be fine. It won’t because that’s not the way God ordained for us to walk with him. He sent his Son to reconcile us to himself and to give us an example of how to turn salvation into sanctification. If you want to be obedient to God, abide in Christ. Don’t go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, don’t do something religious like getting baptized in water shipped directly from the river Jordan, and don’t wear another religious trinket or read another religious book. Listen, if you want to be obedient to God, get close to Jesus. That’s it. To abide in Christ is simply to stay close to him through his Word and his presence. It means you have to give time to the effort. It means you have to exclude other things. It means you simply have to stay close to him. We want everything yesterday. We want everything instantly…and hardly anything worth anything comes instantly. It took time for you to develop your really close friendships. A good marriage doesn’t just happen after you say, “I do.” A good marriage takes years to develop. The same is true for a relationship with Christ. You can’t abide with someone without talking to him, listening to him, or being a friend to his friends. The same is true for Christ. Prayer, the Scriptures, and fellowship are essential tools for being with Christ.  Growth comes from abiding in Christ in the same way he abided in the Father. We don’t abide in him by growing. That’s why so many of us are frustrated in our walk with Christ. A Christian doesn’t do good things in order to be a Christian. A Christian does good things because he or she is a Christian. Stay close to Christ and then you’ll be surprised at the growth. His gift to you for just being with him is that he makes you more and more like him.

PRAYER:

Written by Burt Ghezzi is a contemporary author and speaker.

O Holy Spirit, I want to know you more and love you more. Draw me into your presence and reveal yourself to me.

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MEDITATION:

Written by Dietrich Bonhofeffer (1906-1945), a German Lutheran pastor, theologian, author, anti-Nazi dissident, and key founding member of the Confessing Church.. This is an excerpt from his book “Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible.”

The phrase “learning to pray” sounds strange to us. If the heart does not overflow and begin to pray by itself, we say, it will never “learn” to pray. But it is a dangerous error, surely very widespread among Christians, to think that the heart can pray by itself. For then we confuse wishes, hopes, sighs, laments, rejoicings—all of which the heart can do by itself—with prayer. And we confuse, earth and heaven, man and God. Prayer does not mean simply to pour out one’s heart. It means rather to find the way to God and to speak with him, whether the heart is full or empty. No man can do that by himself. For that he needs Jesus Christ…Jesus wants to pray with us and to have us pray with him, so that we may be confident and glad that God hears us. When our will wholeheartedly enters into the prayer of Christ, then we pray correctly. Only in Jesus Christ are we able to pray and with him we also know that we shall be heard. If we want to read and pray the prayers of the Bible and especially the Psalms, therefore, we must not ask first what they have to do with us, but what they have to do with Jesus Christ. We must ask how we can understand the Psalms as God’s Word, and then we shall be able to pray them. It does not depend, therefore, on whether the Psalms express adequately that which we feel at a given moment in our heart. If we are to pray aright, perhaps it is quite necessary that we pray contrary to our own heart. Not what we want to pray is important, but what God wants us to pray…The richness of the Word of God ought to determine our prayer, not the poverty of our heart…This is pure grace, that God tells us how we can speak with him and have fellowship with him.

PRAYER:

This modified version of the Lord’s Prayer is written by Ray Simpson, a contemporary author. The prayer is from his book Liturgies from Lindisfarne, which are drawn from early and contemporary Celtic devotion, Anglican, Orthodox, Reformed and Roman Catholic resources.

Tender Father, always near us,

May your name be treasured and loved,

May your rulership on earth be embraced

and welcomed as it is in heaven.

Give us today all that we need for life and health.

Forgive our corrupted thoughts and actions as we

forgive others as well.

Please don’t lead us down harmful and destructive

paths,

And keep us safe from the evil one.

Because you are the one in charge. And you have all

the power.

And the glory too is all yours — forever!

And that is the way we want it to be! Amen.

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MEDITATION:

Written by Lloyd Wicker, a contemporary pastor and chaplain in the US Navy.

The story of Jesus feeding a crowd of thousands of people weaves together themes from throughout his ministry. These include compassion, power over creation, the ability to sustain life, and involving others in responding to human needs. We also see God’s grace and providence intertwine as Jesus sends the disciples out “to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.” It is important to realize that the people who heard the gospel and who were healed and fed were not saved and sanctified saints; they were not fully committed disciples who were ready to follow Jesus. Yet when Jesus saw their hurts and needs, he responded with love, knowing that many of them would abandon and even turn against him later. Even so, Jesus was moved with compassion, seeing their need. In the same way, he has compassion today when he sees the hurts and needs of anyone created in the image of God. We have daily opportunities to come alongside the people around us. It could mean drop­ping by the hospital or the nursing home for a visit. Perhaps it involves cooking a meal for someone. Maybe it includes simply listening to another person’s story. When we seek to provide what Jesus ­offers, we reflect a beautiful picture of God’s compassion and care for others.

PRAYER:

Written by Eugene Bersier (1831-1889), a pastor whose ancestors were Huguenot refugees in Switzerland,  led the building of the Etoile Chapel in Paris.

God of love, You see all the suffering, injustice, and misery in this world. Have pity on what You have created. In Your mercy look upon the poor, the oppressed, the destitute, and all who are heavy-laden. Fill our hearts with deep compassion for those who suffer, and hasten the coming of Your kingdom of justice and truth. Amen.

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MEDITATION:

Written by Chelsea Lenora White, a contemporary author.

The concept of freedom has been rattling around in my brain lately. I am focusing on the freedom afforded all of us who claim salvation through Christ. There is something quite liberating when you know or realize that you have been “set free.” Have you ever thought about what that really means? The word release comes to my mind. However you want to describe it, I think the revelation of Jesus as Lord and Savior removes a lot of barriers and obstacles and yes, burdens, that we as human beings place upon ourselves. That’s why I believe as people initially come to Christ, they are overcome by a fresh perspective about life. It’s an enlightened one; one filled with less pressure. I think that’s why folk cry in church when it happens In a very real sense, this type of freedom provides incredible spiritual insight where addictions are overcome, hurt feelings are healed, guilt is removed, and insecurities conquered when Jesus enters the picture. Whatever you have been enslaved by you become freed from. One of the biggest things that happens when Christ enters your life is that fears are conquered. And if we’re honest with ourselves, we all have fears. I know I do. It can be the fear of being alone, of being without, of being humiliated, ostracized, or even the fear of dying. The knowledge of Christ in all of these situations cancels those fears. You are released from them. That’s what I believe people mean when they say “set free.” That’s how I’ve come to understand real joy in the context of spiritual awareness. I have been set free from fear, anger, greed, selfishness, self-doubt, and even self-hatred. Believe it or not, so have you.

These things have hopefully been replaced with honesty and integrity, hope and truth, confidence, self-worth, the promise of everlasting life, and yeah, I know, above all love. One of the hardest things to understand in this life, and then act upon, is this love yourself thing. God even commands us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Without Christ in your life, I believe that concept of self-love can sometimes be distorted and in many cases become perverted. Love with humility is an awesome thing. When love is set free within you, life takes on a whole new meaning. You no longer have to live in the shadows of pretense; rather, you can now live in the light of truth. I can be who I really am and so can you. Then the world will see you as God sees you and not who you think it ought to see. I am who God made. If that’s good enough for God, then certainly it’s good enough for anyone who wants to deal with me and that includes you. I am free and it is wonderful. Freedom is my gift from God paid for by Jesus Christ. Know the truth and the truth shall set you free. You are not what the world would have you be. You are what God made you to be. Seek Him and you will undoubtedly find the real you. May God bless and bless and keep you always.

PRAYER:

Written by Louie Giglio, a contemporary American pastor, speaker, and writer.

Father, thank you that your mission all along has been to lift those who have been pounded by the waves of life, to free those imprisoned by addictions, sin, and shame. Father, when I felt left behind for dead, discarded, and forgotten, You sent Jesus to save my life. Give me the grace to rest in Your freedom today and to trust that you are not finished with me. Amen.

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MEDITATION:

Written by R.C. Sproul (1939-2017), an American Reformed theologian, pastor, radio broadcaster, and founder of Ligonier Ministries. This is an excerpt from his book “Essential Truths of the Christian Faith.”

There are many things in this world we “hope” for. We hope that we will receive a raise in our salary. We hope that our favorite team will win the World Series. This kind of hope expresses our personal desires for the future. We have hope concerning things that are uncertain. We don’t know if our desires will come to pass, but we hold out hope that they will. When the Bible speaks of hope, however, it has something different in view. Biblical hope is a firm conviction that the future promises of God will be fulfilled. Hope is not mere wish projection, but an assurance of what will come to pass.  Hope takes its place alongside faith and love as one of the Christian virtues that the apostle Paul sets forth. Hope is faith directed toward the future.

Hope is used in two ways in the Bible. The less common usage points out the object of our hope. Christ is our hope of eternal life. The more common usage is as an attitude of assurance regarding the fulfillment of God’s promises. The Christian is called to hope, that is, to have full assurance of the resurrection of God’s people and the coming of God’s kingdom. Hope is inextricably bound up with eschatology. Paul reminds Christians that until the kingdom comes in its fullness, believers can only have an assured hope; they must “walk by faith, not by sight.” This hope is neither unfounded nor groundless. Though the life of the Christian is marked more by suffering than triumph, the foundation for hope is in the Godhead. Biblical hope is a matter of assurance rather than wishing. Hope is a virtue, not a weakness. Faith is trust in what God has already done. Hope is trust in what God promises for the future. The resurrection of Christ gives us hope in the midst of suffering. The Holy Spirit, the Comforter, gives us hope. His presence is a guarantee of the coming kingdom of God.

PRAYER:

Written by Izwe Nkosi, a contemporary South African author who is passionate about worship and prayer.

 Jesus, Your Church has sometimes strayed from trusting Your way of meekness. We can be tempted to put our hope in other powers to fight our battles. I pray for my church now. Forgive us when we haven’t looked to You. Amen.

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MEDITATION:

Written by Mother Teresa ((1910-1997), a Catholic nun and missionary who served the poor of India. This is from her book, “Words to Love By.”

If you are preoccupied with people who are talking about the poor, you scarcely have time to talk to the poor. Some people talk about hunger, but they don’t come and say, “Mother, here is five rupees. Buy food for these people.” But they can give a most beautiful lecture on hunger.

PRAYER:

Written by Lloyd Wicker, a contemporary pastor and chaplain in the US Navy.

Lord Jesus, give us eyes to see the people around us and to care for their needs, even if it may be inconvenient or difficult. Give us the desire to share your love. Amen.

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MEDITATION:

Written by Jill Briscoe, a contemporary author, editor and speaker.

Our lives should offer relief from the heat and shelter from the storm to those who need it. People should take one look at our ever green lives and make a beeline for us. Our lives should be full of healing, relief, and balm. Are your leaves used for healing? You can be a tree of life for others. If I think about my life in recent days and years, I ask myself, “Have people beaten a path to my door because they know where help can be found?” I want to be a tree Like Jeremiah describes with its roots in the river, its leaves ever green, and fruit that never fails. When I heard about my father’s cancer, I knew the heat was on. Coming from a family with little evangelical background, I knew there would be lots of opportunities to offer my leaves for healing in the days to come. But this was my great test, too! This was my beloved father who was entering the valley of the shadow. I would be struggling with my own huge sense of loss. How could I help others when I needed such a lot of help myself? The answer was the river, the river of life. Life in the Spirit offered a source of life to me in the very face of death. My job would be to keep my roots in the river, my leaves full of sap, and stay ever green. It was a hard, hot, desert experience for me, but the Spirit of God was sufficient to supply all I needed, not only for myself, but also for others. God was indeed a life-giving spring. What can you do to help make a difference in the lives of your families, neighbors, or co-workers? How many times do we walk by someone’s troubles without even giving a thought to rolling up our sleeves and getting involved? When’s the last time you shed real tears for the people around you? We are to live a life of compassion and serve others. Love is a servant. Just look at Jesus!

PRAYER:

Written by Tia McCollors a contemporary Christian author.

Lord, help me to see when the enemy is trying to shroud my thoughts with darkness. Shine your light upon me and keep the flame for You burning in my heart. I’m thankful that Your light inside of me will shine brightly for others to see. Amen.

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MEDITATION:

Written by Jon Payne, a contemporary pastor, a lecturer in practical theology, and author.

Genuine Christians abide in Christ. Abiding in Christ means making Him the object of your faith. True faith accepts, receives, and rests upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life (Westminster Confession of Faith 14.2). We abide in Christ by exercising faith in Him, and nothing else—not family connections, moral strivings, or religious experiences. In addition, true faith does not seek Christ in the realm of personal subjectivity. No, genuine, Spirit-wrought faith clings to Christ through objective means—the Word, sacraments, and prayer. God has attached His gospel promises to these means, and through them He communicates Christ and all of His saving benefits to His flock (Westminster Shorter Catechism 88). The early church believed this … To abide in Jesus is to devote oneself to the ordinary means of grace… Therefore, dear Christian, abide in Christ. Devote yourself afresh to the means by which He promises to give you Himself.

PRAYER:

Written by Megan Johnson, a contemporary church planter and author.

Jesus – thank you that you remained perfectly in loving union with God. It’s amazing to think about you becoming human as we are, being made like us, being tempted and suffering so that you could be our faithful high priest, who sympathizes with our weaknesses. Yet, sympathizing as One who remained perfectly sinless, fighting hard a battle that we so often fail to fight. I thank you that I am hidden in you and clothed in your righteousness, and in your perfect abiding. But I confess my lack of abiding in you – my forgetfulness to live out the reality of my union with you. Show me where I unite myself more with my outward circumstances than with you, where I let go of your peace and enter the striving of productivity, self-righteousness, or my fears and insecurities. I repent of not thinking you are enough. I repent of not believing your grace will be enough for the future. I repent of not making time alone with you a priority – filling my mind and heart with the Words of life – your Word that sustains life. Thank you that your mercy is more than I could ever imagine. Thank you that your kindness leads me to repentance, and for your overwhelming grace and forgiveness for me in Christ. I trust He is enough. Your grace is sufficient. May I abide well, being rooted and strengthened in your love, not striving to enter a pseudo-rest of my own making, but always striving to keep a quiet heart and enter your rest you secured for me. In Jesus’s name, amen.

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