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: 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. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness… These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. 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?

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: Take My Life - Vineyard Music/Scott Underwood - (YouTube)


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

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 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.

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: "Roll Like A River" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


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 22.

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 Psalm 46.


God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Welcome to prayer today. As you come to pray, consider how it is you are drawing near to the Lord. Do you come seeking refuge or help? Do you come full of fear? Do you come with a sense of victory, or strength? Talk to God about the condition of your mind, your body, and your heart.

Listen to the scripture again allow the words to strengthen and encourage you... Is there an image that stands out to you?

The Lord Almighty is with us. He is with you. God – the uncreated creator of all that is, the eternal and almighty God: he draws near to you. He is your fortress. He is your strong tower in times of trouble. AS you end your time of prayer today, ask God for His protection – for his ever-present help over your family or friends, over your local church, and over your sisters and brothers in faith... Pray in particular for those who are vulnerable, who are in trouble. And as you pray, offer God your time, money, or energy toward situations that are in need of practice acts of mercy or justice.

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: Nothing Is Too Hard For You - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)


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 21.


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 Psalm 145.   
 

The Lord is good to all; 
    he has compassion on all he has made. 
10 All your works praise you, Lord; 
    your faithful people extol you. 
11 They tell of the glory of your kingdom 
    and speak of your might, 
12 so that all people may know of your mighty acts 
    and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. 
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, 
    and your dominion endures through all generations. 
The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises 
    and faithful in all he does. 
14 The Lord upholds all who fall 
    and lifts up all who are bowed down. 
 
  
I’m going to read this section of Psalm 145 again, from The Message translation: 
 

God is good to one and all; 
    everything he does is soaked through with grace. 
10-11 Creation and creatures applaud you, God; 
    your holy people bless you. 
They talk about the glories of your rule, 
    they exclaim over your splendor, 
12 Letting the world know of your power for good, 
    the lavish splendor of your kingdom. 
13 Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; 
    you never get voted out of office. 
God always does what he says, 
    and is gracious in everything he does. 
14 God gives a hand to those down on their luck, 
    gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. 
   

Sometimes reading scripture in different translations can really help us hear it with new ears. This year, in your time of reading the Bible, you might consider doing that. In this text for example, I so love the Message’s translation of the lines: God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. Listen again to the first version and find a word or phrase that sticks out to you. 

Is there any area of your life where you feel ‘ready to quit’? Maybe school has just started up and you’re feeling down about it. Maybe an area of ministry feels dark and unsuccessful. Maybe a relationship with a parent is pulling you out of sorts. Could be your faith feels threadbare right now. Whatever it is, bring that area to the Lord. Speak honestly to Him about your weariness. And ask him to ‘give you a fresh start’, ‘to lift you up where you feel bowed down’.  


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.


This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. 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. Then the word of the Lord came to me. 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. If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, 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?

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: Form Us - Vineyard Soul - (YouTube)


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

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

More at pickerill.casa

Today is January 16th.

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 Gospel of John chapter 8.

At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Have you ever been caught in a situation where your sin was exposed? How did you feel at that moment? When someone calls you out and confronts you over something you’ve done wrong, or some pattern in your life, what is your primary reaction—embarrassment, defensiveness, humiliation, anger?

In this story, Jesus shows that when it comes to confronting our sin, he deals with us mercifully. He drew the attention away from the woman and onto himself. He removed the fear of judgment so she could be free to change her life and leave her sin behind. As you hear the passage again, consider a sin in your life that feel has gone unaddressed for fear of being exposed. Ask Jesus for his mercy to enter into that area of your life.

As we close our time today, ask the Lord for grace that you may leave your sin behind and follow him in freedom.

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: You're All I Need - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)


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