Be Still: Daily Devotional

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

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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 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

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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.


When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 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. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[c] 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.

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: "Jesus Beautiful - 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 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.


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. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 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? 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. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 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.

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: Saved - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane - (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 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

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Today is January 15

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 86.


Hear me, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. 2 Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; 3 have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. 4 Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you. 5 You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. 6 Hear my prayer, LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. 7 When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me. 8 Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. 9 All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. 10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.


Welcome to prayer today. So many of us are moving so quickly, even when we’re trying to Be Still, that we’re not fully present. Can you recall the scripture that we just read? Or, perhaps, were you so distracted that the words already have escaped your mind?! Take some time as we begin and offer any distractions, worries, or to-do's to Jesus.

As we listen again to these words, try to hold them in your mind or heart.... they tell you some profound things about the character of God.

What stands out to me right now is verse seven: ‘when I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me’. The psalmist knows that god will answer. He does not ‘hope’ for it. He knows it. As we end our time of prayer today I want to pray for you, that you will know God, in all of his goodness:

“Father God, we are poor and needy. Please draw near to my sister or brother and demonstrate to them your abounding goodness, forgiveness, and love. Please guard their life and their health. Jesus, be near to your people, and grow us in knowledge of you. Amen”

Music: My Soul Depends On 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

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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

More at pickerill.casa

Today is January 12th.

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 Genesis chapter 12.


The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.


“The Lord had said to Abram…” Throughout the scriptures, one of the things that distinguishes Yahweh is that he speaks; he is not silent or mute. He speaks in visions, dreams, an audible voice, and a quiet word speaking within. Have you ever had a sense that the God is speaking to you? What has the Lord been speaking to you recently?

Abraham is called the father of faith because when he heard God speak, he obeyed. He acted. Not knowing the outcome or the destination, he did what God asked him to do. In what area of your life is God asking for obedience? As you hear the passage again, ask the Lord to give you more faith to be obedient to what he is asking of you.

God desires not only to bless you but to bless others through you. As we close, ask God to bless one person through you today. Pray, “God make me a blessing 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: Anything and Everything - 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