Be Still: Daily Devotional

Today is January 27th

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say,
“Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from Psalm 71, The Message Version

"You got me when I was an unformed youth,
God, and taught me everything I know.
Now I’m telling the world your wonders;
I’ll keep at it until I’m old and gray.
God, don’t walk off and leave me
until I get out the news
Of your strong right arm to this world,
news of your power to the world yet to come,
Your famous and righteous
ways, O God.
God, you’ve done it all!
Who is quite like you?
You, who made me stare trouble in the face,
Turn me around;
Now let me look life in the face.
I’ve been to the bottom;
Bring me up, streaming with honors;
turn to me, be tender to me,
And I’ll take up the lute and thank you
to the tune of your faithfulness, God.
I’ll make music for you on a harp,
Holy One of Israel."

The Psalmist considers his own life with God: from his youth to the end of his life… in times of
trouble and in times of honor. Take a moment to orient yourself today: how old are you? How
long have you been following the Lord? Do you feel like you are ‘staring trouble in the face’, or
‘streaming with honors’, or somewhere in between?

Reading the Psalms helps us to remember that God is near to us in every season of life: young
or old; troubled or encouraged; full of doubt, or full of faith. As you hear the passage read
again… listen for a word or phrase that helps give words to the season you find yourself in
today. Remind yourself that even now, God is with you.

"You got me when I was an unformed youth,
God, and taught me everything I know.
Now I’m telling the world your wonders;
I’ll keep at it until I’m old and gray.
God, don’t walk off and leave me
until I get out the news
Of your strong right arm to this world,
news of your power to the world yet to come,
Your famous and righteous
ways, O God.
God, you’ve done it all!
Who is quite like you?
You, who made me stare trouble in the face,
Turn me around;
Now let me look life in the face.
I’ve been to the bottom;
Bring me up, streaming with honors;
turn to me, be tender to me,
And I’ll take up the lute and thank you
to the tune of your faithfulness, God.
I’ll make music for you on a harp,
Holy One of Israel."

The Psalmists are often turning their attention from ‘looking at trouble’ to ‘looking at life’. The
Biblical writers don’t deny trouble, darkness doubt, or pain… but, at the same time, they show
us how to broaden our attention to include the faithfulness of God, and to the news of His
power to save. Is there a situation in your life where you are forgetting to turn your eyes to
God’s faithfulness? As we end, remember a time where you’ve seen God’s provision in a time of
trouble. Ask God to help you keep your eyes turned toward Him.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day:
Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity;
and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Invitacion Fountain - Vineyard Worship/Steve Jones
Invitacion Fountain (feat. Steve Jones) (Live)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

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Today is January 26th

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say,
“Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from 1 Corinthians 10

"For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all
under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in
the cloud and in the sea.3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual
drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5
Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the
wilderness…11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings
for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm,
be careful that you don’t fall!"

Paul is reminding the church in Corinth that even the ancients of the faith from the time of
Moses did not always demonstrate faithfulness… even after they had experienced miraculous
things like their deliverance out of Egypt, and God’s provision for them in the desert. Do you
ever struggle between faithfulness and faithlessness?

“Be careful that you don’t fall!” How do these words make you feel? Do they feel kind, like
words spoken by an attentive caregiver, who wants you to stay safe and sound? Do they make
you feel defensive? As you hear the passage read again… consider your own spiritual
foundation: does it feel firm? Insecure?

"For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all
under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea.
2 They were all baptized into Moses in
the cloud and in the sea.3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual
drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5
Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the
wilderness…11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings
for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm,
be careful that you don’t fall!"

David, the shepherd King and OT Psalmist, prayed that God would search Him and know His
heart. Today, invite the Spirit of God to search you and know you in the same way. To show you
places where you are standing firm? Can you also invite God to call to mind areas in your life
where you should exercise spiritual care?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day:
Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity;
and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Take My Life - Vineyard Music/Scott Underwood
Take My Life


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

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Today is January 25th

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say,
“Come Holy Spirit.”

Today Christians remember and celebrate of the conversion of the Apostle Paul.

Today’s reading is the story of the Apostle Paul’s Conversion from Acts 9.

"Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went
to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found
any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners
to Jerusalem.3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed
around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you
persecute me?”
5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you
will be told what you must do.”
7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see
anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So
they led him by the hand into Damascus.9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink
anything."

The Apostle Paul was also known by his Hebrew name, Saul, and before his life was interrupted
by a vision of the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus, he antagonized the early church,
persecuting followers of Jesus. Paul’s conversion was marked by both a miraculous new vision
of the resurrected Jesus… as well as by a loss of his natural sight for three days. What do you
think Paul experienced during those three days of blindness, during which he neither ate nor
drank? What do you think Paul learned about the character of God, through His vision of Christ
on the road to Damascus?

As you hear the passage read again… Consider that the conversion of Paul reminds us that no
one is too far off, or too antagonistic, to be interrupted by the love of God or by the call of
Christ. Is there someone in your life who feels ‘too far off’? Were you too far off, before you
met Jesus?

Paul’s Conversion

Acts 9:1-9 "Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s
disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus,
so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take
them as prisoners to Jerusalem.3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from
heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul,
why do you persecute me?”
5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you
will be told what you must do.”
7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see
anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So
they led him by the hand into Damascus.9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink
anything."

“Who are you, Lord?” is one of the most important questions we can ask God. Scripture tells us
that we can know God by looking at Jesus. Reflect on ways that you have learned about the
character of God. Have you ever felt interrupted by the love of God? As we end, ask God to
reveal himself to you in fresh ways, and pray for one person by name… who might feel ‘too far
off’… pray that Jesus would interrupt both you, and them, with the love and the calling of God.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day:
Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity;
and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Faithful Father - Vineyard Music/Brian Doerksen
Faithful Father [Live]

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

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Today is January 24th

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be
with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say,
“Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 12

"Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had
raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus
was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an
expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house
was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t
this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not
say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money
bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day
of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

The sisters Mary and Martha were friends of Jesus and were known for their demonstrations of
hospitality to Jesus. In this story, Martha is practicing hospitality by serving the meal, which
would have been expected. Mary is practicing hospitality in an unexpected and extravagant
way: she anoints Jesus’ feet with perfume that was incredibly expensive. Imagine that you are
in the room during this dinner. Imagine your surprise at Mary spilling out such expensive
perfume. Imagine how you’d feel watching her use her own hair to wipe his feet. If you were
there, how would you likely have reacted to Mary’s interruptive act of extravagant hospitality?

As you hear the passage read again… imagine again that you are in the room. But instead of
picturing yourself as an observer, put yourself in Mary’s place. Many of us may struggle to
express our love and devotion to Jesus in such a public and intimate way. Is that true of you?

Can you imagine being in Mary’s place in this story?

"Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had
raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus
was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an
expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house
was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t
this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not
say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money
bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day
of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

Jesus speaks words of blessing over Mary and her extravagant demonstration of worship. Even
among the other disciples, she seemed to have a rare perspective about who Jesus was. As we
end our time of prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to increase your awareness of who Jesus is, and to
grow a gift of worship in you.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day:
Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity;
and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Mary's Song - Vineyard Music/Cindy Rethmeier
Mary's Song [Live]

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa

Today is January 23rd

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say,
“Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Jeremiah, chapter 22.

This is what the Lord says: “Go down to the palace of the king of Judah and proclaim this
message there: 2 ‘Hear the word of the Lord to you, king of Judah, you who sit on David’s
throne—you, your officials and your people who come through these gates. 3 This is what the
Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has
been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not
shed innocent blood in this place. 4 For if you are careful to carry out these commands, then
kings who sit on David’s throne will come through the gates of this palace, riding in chariots and
on horses, accompanied by their officials and their people. 5 But if you do not obey these
commands, declares the Lord, I swear by myself that this palace will become a ruin.’”

The Prophet Jeremiah is communicating the heart of God to the palace of the King of Judah: to
do what is just and right in the eyes of God… to rescue the oppressed and protect the
vulnerable. The power of God is demonstrated in counter-cultural ways throughout scripture,
and in this case, Jeremiah is speaking the truth about power to the people in power. He is
reminding them that the power they have is meant to serve those who are vulnerable—
orphans, widows, refugees, children… Jeremiah is speaking a warning to those in power about
how they prioritize these people. What might Jeremiah say to us today?

As you hear the passage read again… ask God to help you hear these words in your own life.
Consider what it means for you to ‘be careful’ to carry out His commands to do what is just and
right with vulnerable people in your life.

Jeremiah 22:1-5 This is what the Lord says: “Go down to the palace of the king of Judah and
proclaim this message there: 2 ‘Hear the word of the Lord to you, king of Judah, you who sit on
David’s throne—you, your officials and your people who come through these gates. 3 This is
what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one
who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow,
and do not shed innocent blood in this place. 4 For if you are careful to carry out these
commands, then kings who sit on David’s throne will come through the gates of this palace,
riding in chariots and on horses, accompanied by their officials and their people. 5 But if you do
not obey these commands, declares the Lord, I swear by myself that this palace will become a
ruin.’”

There are times as Christians when we will be called to say or to do something that is counter
cultural. Can you recall a time that you’ve stepped out or taken a risk to demonstrate the
upside-down nature of the kingdom of God? Ask God to give you both conviction and courage
to ‘do what is just and right’ in His eyes today.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day:
Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity;
and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Roll Like a River - Vineyard Worship/Tina Colon Williams
Roll Like A River | Vineyard Soul Sessions | Vineyard Worship

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

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This is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced.

1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

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Today is January 20th

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 10.

John 10:11-16
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

What image comes to mind when you think of Jesus, the Good Shepherd? Jesus with a little lamb over his shoulder in a idyllic green pasture, with a big smile on his face? That’s not the image in today’s reading. It’s a dangerous picture, with wolves intent on killing the sheep. What does this image tell you about what it means to be a follower of Christ? What are the dangers around you?

The Good Shepherd is the one who defends the sheep, even at the cost of his life. Jesus laid down his life on the cross for you to save you from many dangers to your soul. And he continues to protect you today. As you hear the passage again, can you thank Jesus for all of the ways that he defends and protects you?

John 10:11-16
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he
abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

As we close our time today, pray for the sheep that are not yet gathered in. Bring before the Good Shepherd one person that’s not yet under his care and protection.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Good Shepherd (Lead On) - Vineyard Worship/David Ruis
GOOD SHEPHERD (LEAD ON) [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. David Ruis


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

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Today is January 19th.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Jeremiah, chapter 18.

Jeremiah 18:1-10
This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” 3 So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. 4 But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.
5 Then the word of the Lord came to me. 6 He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel. 7 If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, 8 and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. 9 And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, 10 and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.

We like to think that we are the ones that shape the events of our lives. But Jeremiah sees a picture that is very different. The Lord is like a potter, and the earth and everything in it are the clay. From the course of world affairs to our personal lives, it is the Lord who shapes what he sees best. How do you feel about this sentiment? Is this notion unsettling to you, or does it bring you peace?

It is not as though the potter is unfeeling or uncaring. The potter is responsive to the clay. As the clay stays soft, as it were, to the purposes of the Lord, then there is blessing. As you hear the passage read again, can you pray that you are like soft clay in the hand of the Lord?

Jeremiah 18:1-10
This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” 3 So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. 4 But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.
5 Then the word of the Lord came to me. 6 He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel. 7 If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, 8 and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. 9 And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, 10 and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.

This passage isn’t mainly about individual people being like clay, but nations. As we close our time, can you pray for your nation, and all nations, to be like soft clay in the hands of the Lord, in order to fulfill his kingdom purposes?

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Form Us - Vineyard Soul
Form Us (feat. Tina Colón Williams)


Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

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Today is January 18th.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.  
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today is the day when Christians around the world remember the disciple Peter’s confession of faith in Christ.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew chapter 16.

Matthew 16:13-18
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter,[b] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

Jesus asks his disciples who other people say that he is. Who do people around you say Jesus was? A really wise philosopher? A spiritual leader? A perfect person? Or a regular sinner like you and me?
Jesus then asks his disciples, “Who do you say I am?” Jesus always makes it personal for us. At that moment Peter realized that Jesus of Nazareth was Jesus the Christ, God’s long-awaited Messiah. He wasn’t just a great man, or a brilliant teacher, or an incisive prophet. He was and is the Christ, the Son of God. God’s revelation always happens over time, just like it did with Peter. As you hear the passage read again, consider how you have increasingly become aware of who Jesus is to you.

Matthew 16:13-18
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter,[b] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

As we close our time, ask Jesus to continue to reveal himself to you as you walk through your day.
Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Jesus Beautiful - Vineyard Worship
Jesus Beautiful (feat. Samuel Lane)

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

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Today is January 17th.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 1.

1 Corinthians 1:18-25
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom,23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

Do you ever feel foolish as a believer among your family, your colleagues, your friends? What does that do to you? Does it make you introverted with your faith? Afraid, embarrassed? Or, do you feel more courageous because of the foolishness you feel?

The Apostle Paul tells us that feeling foolish is not only something that followers of Christ have always felt, but it is the chosen means for the Gospel to go forward. The message of the cross, God’s salvation, is not on par with human wisdom. It’s not something that brilliant minds have produced. Because of that, it is seen as foreign, as weak, as foolishness. It is by nature humbling. But it is also the power of God to save. As you hear the passage again, thank God for revealing to you this message of salvation.

1 Corinthians 1:18-25
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom,23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

As we close our time, ask God to give you courage to be a fool for Christ, and look for an opportunity to live your faith out loud as you move through your day.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Saved - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane
SAVED [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. Samuel Lane

Be Still: Daily Devotional with Eric and Julia Pickerill.
Originally produced at Vineyard Columbus and republished by permission.

Subscribe: Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-still-daily-devotional/id1662156224 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1vRcmmVmxUU579ZsOFcT1X | Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c57a529f-db23-427f-87fb-e01cb8ca6b78

More at pickerill.casa