They Had No Idea What Was Coming

 YouTube Channel Video Devo

https://youtu.be/u2K8v_zFCTc?si=H54eYRKzyZOqeRfL

“They Had No Idea What Was Coming”

Matthew 26:31-35 NIV

Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”  Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”  “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.

 

Recently my wife and I have been watching the beginning of Season 5 of “The Chosen”.  The scene of the Last Supper really sticks out in my mind.  Jesus is trying to verbally prepare them for what is to come.  Peter speaks out and so do the others that they would never deny Christ.  They all have a look of shock on their faces when Jesus says this.  Peter especially does and says that even if he would have to die because of Jesus, he would not deny.

 

All these men literally have no idea what is about to happen.  Jesus is trying so hard to prepare them and give them the tools they need to move forward, but they just look at Him and are confused.  They just don’t get it.  No matter how much He tries to explain and prepare them, they are just left in confusion.  It’s been really neat watching this unfold on the screen as I am a very visual learner. 

 

They were all for sure nothing would stand in the way of following Jesus, no matter what.  But again, they had no idea what was coming.  So often in life, we also have no idea what is coming to us.  We are for sure that we will be faithful and stand strong for Jesus no matter the situation.  We “hope” we would be strong enough, but would we really?  Just something for us to consider in situations we find ourselves going through where the tension is high and our reputation is on the line.  Will we be brave enough to stand up and be strong in what we believe?

 

This devotional is an opportunity for us all to take this in and meditate.  Consider your life and opportunities that have come up and may come up.  Whatever situations may arise, will you and I be brave enough to stand up for what we believe in?  Chances are, most of us will never have the experience of our lives being ended because of our faith, but if it does come to that, what will we do?  Will we be faithful in our devotion no matter what? 

We Are Acts 29

 YouTube Channel Video Devo

https://youtu.be/lE17Ky-0Ojk?si=kRiKsiW6AaR1i6e_

“We Are Acts 29”

Matthew 28:19-20 NIV

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

 

I just finished up a devotional in the YouVersion Bible app on the book of Acts.  The last devotional in the study really stuck with me how it ended and I’ll never forget how it was worded.  The devotional talked about how Acts 28 ends and how it doesn’t continue with Acts 29 to tell us more of the story of how the spread of the Gospel continues.  Then these words stuck with me, “But in a very real sense, we are Acts 29!”

 

I thought it was really cool how the devotional ended this way and it really hit me that we are indeed the continuation from Acts 28 to make the story continue of the spread of the Gospel.  We are given a command and a charge to take the Good News everywhere we go, every day of life!  Jesus didn’t only tell His closest men to carry this on, He also instructs us to do the same.

 

Jesus lives in each one of us giving us wisdom as the Holy Spirit guides us to spread His love.  We are called to be Acts 29.  We are called to carry His Gospel in every relationship we have and every conversation that takes place.  Now, I’m not saying you need to shove this down people’s throats and bring God up in every single sentence.  You need to be creative and connect with people in a very genuine way.  Don’t go after them just to “convert” them.  Be genuine and caring, building a relationship.  Show you care as you share your life with each person.

 

I know in my day to day life, I am so guilty of being in my own world and doing my own thing.  I go to work, do my job, come home and be with my family.  I’m also involved in my church every week and I love to mingle with people.  However, God calls me to share with people who don’t know Him and that honestly scares me.  I want to be Acts 29 and continue the story faithfully.  I hope you do as well.

 

I encourage you to take time to read through Acts.  It might take a few days or longer, but read through and be reminded of the great story of the early church and how the power of God burned inside people and how that fire spread. 

 

I also encourage all of us to seriously consider how we continue the story of the spread of the Gospel each and every day in our lives.  What does Acts 29 look like in our lives?  How are we doing?  Is the story full of selfishness or are we thinking more of others and how we can serve?

React Or Respond

 YouTube Channel Video Devo

https://youtu.be/Ky3lRjsHIP0?si=-LgpC3NN-1iTYM_m

“React Or Respond?

Acts 16:23-25 NIV

After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully.  When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.  About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.

 

This passage came up in my devotional morning time the other day.  Acts is one of my most favorite books of the Bible as we read about the start of the early church and how passionate people were and how fast the church grew. 

 

This specific story of Paul and Silas in prison always amazes me.  The part I am most amazed by is right after verse 24.  They’ve been thrown into prison and beaten severely. 

 

PAUSE

If I were in their shoes, I know that I would be frustrated about my situation and probably looking at others, giving them a look of “Can you believe what they just did to us?”  Then once in the cell, I know for sure I’d be going through the whole scenario in my head and thinking “What did we do wrong?  How could we have avoided that?  Can you believe they would do such a thing to us?  I think we should file a report and complain to someone about how we were treated.”

 

UNPAUSE

No, Paul and Silas did NOT do anything I just described above.  They started praying and singing!  What???  How could they possibly have that attitude?  Aren’t they upset about what happened?  They’ve just been severely mistreated and all they do is start singing and praying.

 

When I think of this story, I think about how often I find myself reacting to situations instead of responding as I should.  When we react to something, we tend to not think rationally and we go off on some tangent and often say things we don’t mean.  However, when we respond, we’re often thinking through the situation, taking a few moments to gather our thoughts and figure out the best way to handle what is going on. 

 

I would encourage all of us to work on responding instead of reacting.  It’s so easy to just react, but we should focus more to respond with a loving heart and gestures that minister to others around us.  It was a pivotal moment for Paul and Silas in what they did after they were beaten.  Look what God did!!!  And, look what God could and can do when we let Him use us in situations to respond instead of react. 

 

Responding almost always seems to land us in a better outcome.   

Relax And Take Life In

 YouTube Channel Video Devo

https://youtu.be/39o0mOxF3fM?si=jUG5LnBkOUCsN218

“Relax and Take Life In”

Luke 10:38-42 NIV

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

 

I am not a person who can sit very long and not do anything.  I get very fidgety and feel like I have to be doing something.  My wife is constantly reminding me that I can just rest and relax and that it’s productive.  When I’m home, I am cleaning things up in the kitchen and just trying to take care of whatever household needs are present.  You know how it goes, right???  Always something to take care of and tend to!

 

As most of you know, I started running a year ago and I have been putting in a lot of time conditioning my body and working on my endurance for running.  I ran my first 5K race in October last year and just now completed my second one this past weekend.  I have been trying to improve my time and beat my time from the first race.  As I prepared for this recent one, my wife tried to remind me, “Have fun, just try to have fun!”.  I kept saying, “I know that, but I want to improve my time.”  Bless her heart!  She tried hard to encourage me to just take it all in and have a good time.  But when you’re competitive about improving your time and placement, it’s hard to just chill and run. 

 

Often times, if I’m tired at home, I feel very guilty and non-productive if I’m just sitting around home and not doing anything but resting.  I can think of like 15-20 things I need to be doing and not resting.  My wife again reminds me to just chill out and rest because it’s important.  Why is this so hard to do??????

 

I picture this scene where Martha is very upset about her sister and the fact that Mary is just sitting there listening to Jesus and taking that all in while Martha is going at break neck speed to serve and prepare.  Neither person is in the wrong really.  Mary is trying to take in the presence of Jesus and Martha is just trying to use her gifts of service and hospitality.  However, the present scene is one that Martha completely overlooks.  As my wife often reminds me, “You need to just rest and take life in.”  Martha just needed to chill out and take in the presence of Jesus.

 

Friends, so often we get so caught up in life and we don’t take the time to just relax and take life in.  God didn’t create us to GO-GO-GO-GO-GO all the time.  Our bodies can’t take that!  We need rest and it’s definitely productive(even if it doesn’t feel like it!!!!)  I definitely need to realize this and take time to rest, relax and recharge my internal battery. 

 

We are also often so distracted with busy things that we forget to take the time to take in family time as well.  People that we love and care about often get neglected because we are so busy taking care of things too often.  It’s not wrong to be busy, but we need to take time out to just take life in with those we love.

 

Don’t forget to take the time to chill out and take in God’s presence all around.  Take a nap in the recliner, beside the pool, on the beach or just veg out somewhere.  It’s ok to relax and take life in!

Get Lost In Worship

 YouTube Channel Video Devo

https://youtu.be/rw5ugaOlaqw?si=2BKjezXkW--VWDFC

“Get Lost In Worship”

Revelation 4:8-11 NIV

Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come.”  Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

 

One of my favorite worship songs on Air1 Radio is “No One Like The Lord”.  Jenn Johnson and Bethel Music play this and every time I hear it, I picture the scene in Revelation where all the creatures and elders bow before the Throne.  This song always gives me chills, especially the build up of the bridge into the final chorus. 

 

This song just fills my heart and is an amazing picture of the worship before the Throne of God!  How often, during our days and weeks do we get so caught up in everything going on around us and we lose focus on what truly matters most?  Our families are very important, but there is absolutely nothing more important than coming to the Throne of God in complete worship and just letting go and letting God be in control.  Bringing it all to the Cross and just worshipping Him. 

 

I absolutely love the imagery and scene of worship before Holy God!  In the past several months as God has brought me from depression into more realization of how amazing He is and how amazing His gift of life really is, I am in awe of Him and I just am amazed that we have such a privilege to worship Him. 

 

Just like the song says, there is no one like the Lord.  He is truly worthy of praise and all glory.  I invite you to bring the song up on YouTube and just listen to the words and be brought into complete worship.  Every time this song comes up the radio, I want to crank it up, especially in the last build up and chorus.  It’s just so very powerful! 

 

As I’ve been thinking so much lately about this song and the scene in Revelation of the amazing worship before the Throne, it fills me with awe of God!  I’ve always been into music and it just stirs my soul in an unexplainable way!  The music I’ve gotten into on Air1 in the past few months God has truly used to refresh my heart, mind and soul.  It’s like I’m falling in love with Jesus all over again and it feels great! 

 

This morning in church, as we were singing, I just kept thinking, “God it feels great to be in worship to You through this music!”.  Just let yourself get lost in worship.  Come before His Throne and just worship!

My Story: Intentional Faith

 YouTube Video Channel Devo

https://youtu.be/qt-rE30BUGE?si=qXBHXG7JcDdC3dFv

“My Story: Intentional Faith”

Psalms 107:1 NIV

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

 

This week I felt led to share with you all the story of the past year and all that has gone on in my life.  I would like to share a testimony with you.  I know I’ve shared some of this already, but I wanted to go into more detail and be transparent with you as I feel that some of you may be able to relate to this from the past or are going through something similar.  It’s always comforting to know you are not the only one struggling.

 

Sometime earlier last year, my job got really stressful and I had a huge load on my plate.  There were also a lot of different things happening in life in general that I was struggling to deal with.  I started seeing a Christian therapist in 2023 and that has continued to this day.  Throughout 2024, I was dealing with challenges in my marriage, challenges with continued negative thoughts and self-esteem and just feeling very down.  My mood was often all over the place and I did not like how I got snappy with my wife and my kids on a continual basis.  I was just not feeling myself and felt very down and not joyful. 

 

As the months went on, I just kept thinking about it and I finally went to my doctor to get checked out later in the year as I was concerned about my mental health.  I was keeping up my running through the winter months as we joined the YMCA so we could have a place to go and keep up being active.  That was HUGE for me during the winter, so I could go running and listen to music and sermons.  I stumbled upon a devotional through YouVersion from Louie Giglio called “Don’t Give The Enemy A Seat At Your Table”.  After going through that, I got the book and read it.  Then, I got Craig Groeschel’s book, “Winning The War In Your Mind”. 

 

One of the sermons I heard from Louie Giglio he talked about when he was in a deep depression, he decided he need to be intentional about being positive even when he didn’t feel like it.  He started listening to worship music.  When I heard that, it really hit me and I immediately decided to start doing that myself.  I got into listening to Air1 Christian Radio as my wife was listening to it a lot.  Once I started listening to it, I couldn’t stop and then I decided to put my earbuds in at work through the day for music in the background. 

 

After days, weeks and a couple of months my joy has come back and I’m enjoying life once again.  I just feel better and I’m not depressed as I was.  God has also worked in various ways with my job and some details in life and I just see His working so much to bring more joy to my life. 

 

Now as I’m playing on the worship team at my church, as I’ve been doing for several years, the music means so much more to me than before, even though I was already enjoying it.  I’m just enjoying it so much more because the words are going deep into my heart and soul and filling my mind with positivity. 

 

I don’t ever want to go back to how I was feeling before.  It was not fun and I didn’t know how I was going to get out of the depression hole.  I’m thankful it wasn’t worse than it was, but not fun at all.  I know for so long, I just kept thinking, “God, I hate how I feel and I want this to go away!  Please help me to feel better!”

 

I’m sharing this today with you all as I want to encourage you that if you are feeling like this, please be intentional and make a move to bring positivity into your life.  You might not feel like doing it, but you need to!  Sometimes, you just have to force yourself and be intentional.  It really helps when you are intentional and do something to help brighten your mood.

 

I encourage you to keep the faith and be intentional!  Crank up some worship music and let that fill your heart, mind and soul!  It did wonders for me and I have some new great worship favorites now!  Don’t let the enemy steal your joy!  Take it all back!

All Hope Was Lost, Until.....

 YouTube Channel Video Devo

https://youtu.be/ZZg6PyYg6ac?si=9UeQQnQEoiISowT8

“All Hope Was Lost, Until…….”

 

Last night in our small group, we were discussing The Resurrection.  Last week was The Crucifixion.  As we talked in our group, I got to thinking about the time between when Jesus died and when He rose again.  For 2 days, people were extremely lost and without hope.  The Disciples scattered.  So many lost hope in what had just happened.  “Where is the hope of a Savior now?” so many people must have thought and asked each other.  So much was building up through the years that people heard about Jesus and, then, after He came into Jerusalem, the hype was there!  So much happened in the last week and people were filled with emotions.  However, after He died, so many lost hope and thought death had won.

 

We now know and have the hope those people didn’t.  We look back and we have the whole story, but they didn’t know.  They were lost, confused, devastated, you name it!

 

There are so many people today who are wandering around with absolutely no hope at all.  It’s so sad.  It’s our job and mission as believers to share the hope we have so they will also have hope.

 

Also, as believers, there are many of us who also struggle with hope.

 

The doctor gives a life-threatening diagnosis.

One spouse has left a note saying he/she has given up and is gone.

A son or daughter rebelled and nothing seems to work.

A child is diagnosed with a rare disease.

We lose a job and don’t know how to make ends meet.

We can’t afford the house payments anymore.

 

There are so many people hurting and, often times, we lose hope.  Even as believers, we lose hope at times.  As much as we believe God is real and He is with us, life just gets hard.  Sometimes we are so confused. 

 

If you find yourself in this situation and losing hope each day, please, please, please hang on!  Just trust that God will make a way somehow.  Something will finally click and you will walk out of the valley.  Will all your problems go away?  Not necessarily, but God is the God of hope and He will make some way. 

 

For so many months last year and this year, I felt a loss of hope.  I wasn’t myself.  I was down and depressed a lot.  But then I started listening to Air1 Radio a lot and my spirits lifted.  In the past month, God has worked wonders and my joy is coming back. 

 

Wherever you are, DON’T LOSE HOPE!