Be Still: Daily Devotional

Today is November 24
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 book of Acts, chapter 20.

22 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

This scripture offers a glimpse of how the Spirit leads. It’s not always into wonderful experiences. Sometimes, the spirit leads us toward a steadfast followership in the face of suffering. Consider a hardship in your life, a difficulty or challenge. Is there a sense of being compelled by the spirit in your experience? Or, do you feel weak and weary in your faith? Bring that to the Lord today.
 
As you listen to the passage again, consider Paul’s determination to face the challenge that is before him with conviction, and with a sense of the Spirit’s empowerment. He only wants to finish this race, to complete this task. Ask God to give you all the need for the task in front of you.

So often, our faith grows weary and worn, and we forget what it’s like to be compelled by the Spirit on behalf of the grace of God. Or sometimes, our faith is lukewarm. The grace of God is overfamiliar. We take for granted what we have. As we end our time of prayer, would you ask the Lord to stir up your faith and your gratitude for the things he has placed before you today. Could you ask him for more of his spirit as you face the challenges ahead of you?

Music Credit:
"Anything and Everything" - Heaven & 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 November 23
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 gospel of Luke, chapter 6.

One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels. 2 Some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”
3 Jesus answered them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” 5 Then Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
6 On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. 7 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. 8 But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood there.
9 Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” 10 He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was completely restored.


Jesus seems to care a lot more about the heart of God than he does about getting black and white about religious rules. How does that sit with you?

Jesus asks the Pharisees: “Have you ever read what David did….” But OF COURSE they had. That’d be like asking a Constitutional lawyer if they’ve ever read the Constitution. But Jesus is making a point. There is a truth in scripture that they can’t see, because they are blinded by religion. It’s not that what they knew wasn’t true. It’s that it wasn’t all there is to know. How does that make you feel?

 Jesus is making a point. He asks this man to stand up front. Jesus looks them in the eye and asks a brazen question. Then he does the very thing they’re about to condemn Jesus for: he heals the man’s hand. On the sabbath. And, as Jesus does, he turns things upside down. Aren’t you thankful that the Character of God is displayed in ways like this? Thank God for the beauty of his love and mercy… Thank God for His kindness and generosity… That God that Christ came to fulfill the law, to offer grace, and to welcome us to his table, as His friends! Give Thanks!

Music Credit:
"Adore HIm" - 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 November 22
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’s reading is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 35.

The desert and the parched land will be glad;
the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom;
it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.
3 Strengthen the feeble hands,
steady the knees that give way;
4 say to those with fearful hearts,
“Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come,
he will come with vengeance;
with divine retribution
he will come to save you.”
5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened
and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
6 Then will the lame leap like a deer,
and the mute tongue shout for joy.
Water will gush forth in the wilderness
and streams in the desert.
10 and those the LORD has rescued will return.
They will enter Zion with singing;
everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them,
and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

Isaiah speaks about great life, beauty, and fruitfulness that will transform a desert land. This is a song of joy, of hope, and of promise. We’re in a season of autumn that for many feels lush – full of family and joy. And that for many others feels barren – full of loneliness and desolation. Begin your time of prayer today by interceding for those you pass by each day who are lonely, or feeble, or unsteady.
 
The Kingdom of God brings with it life ‘as it was meant to be’ – eyes that see, bodies that work and are healthy, fields that are fertile, and people who are free, at peace, and redeemed. We of course live in the now, and the not yet… of that Kingdom. Would you listen again and ask the Lord to draw your attention to one word or phrase in particular? Something that might help you become fully aware of both the life, and the longing, that God wants to bring to you today?
 
Sorrow and sighing will flee away. Let it be, Lord! Ask God to give you an occasion today week to hear the sighing of someone in the world around you. Ask God to allow you to bring comfort, care, or practical help to them… so that you might be a part of God’s transformation in the world around you. Consider someone who might be lonely this holiday season, and extend the welcome of Christ’s big table… where there is always a seat for just… one… more.

Music Credit:
"Face to Face" - Heaven & 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 November 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 56.

3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
10 In God, whose word I praise,
in the LORD, whose word I praise—
11 in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can man do to me?


Scripture so often talks about fear, one of the most basic of human emotions. Fear can be acute – being afraid in a frightening situation – or chronic – being afraid in an ongoing way where fear or anxiety becomes a chronic part of our emotional landscape, even if there’s nothing in front of us to be afraid of. Do you struggle with fear, or anxiety, or worry? Is there a situation right now that makes you feel afraid? Bring that to the Lord.

Now take whatever situation that has come into your mind… perhaps a specific thing you are worried about? Or a fear you have? Or chronic anxiety? And as you listen again to the words of this psalm, imagine offering it to the Lord, laying it down at His feet.
 
What can man do to me? One the one hand, we might answer: A LOT! Humanity does horrific things, mankind can be cruel. On the other hand, we might consider what the Psalmist is pointing toward: that regardless of what happens in this mortal world, God is trustworthy. We can remember that in this mortal world we will have trouble. And there are things to fear. AND we can ask God for the power to trust in his eternal love, His eternal justice and mercy, and His eternal shalom. This is not a simple thing. As we end, I have two encouragements for you. First, if you are afraid of a particular situation or person… and if you have reason to be afraid, if anyone is hurting or harming you… please reach out to a pastor, counselor, or safe friend and talk to them… so that someone else knows and can help you. Second, if you know that you are safe… but yet struggle with fear or anxiety or worry… take time through your day to offer it – over and over – to the feet of Jesus.

Music Credit:
Be Still - 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 November 20
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 Acts, chapter 19.

While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”
They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”
“John’s baptism,” they replied.
4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

Paul tells the church in Corinth to "Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts." Here, Paul traveled to Ephesus and prayed that they may be filled by the spirit. These believers had heard the Gospel message and were baptized into that knowledge by John… and now they experienced the presence and the power of God through the spirit. As you come to prayer today, do you feel the presence and power of God’s spirit?
 
We know that God is near to us always – He is behind and before, above and beneath. Wherever you are, God is. At the same time, scriptures like these remind us that there is also an experience of God’s spirit… not just an intellectual assent, but an actual experience, of the truth in the nearness of God. As you listen to the passage again, imagine this group new disciples moving from a head knowledge about God, to an actual experience of God.
 
Paul traveled in order to pray over these new believers, to impart God’s spirit to them, and to encourage them. Imagine how their faith was built up by Paul’s willingness to be present to them. As you go through your day today, pray that God would bring someone across your path that you can encourage through the Holy Spirit. Look for ways this week to be one like Paul, who is intentionally blessing others, and praying over them: Come Holy Spirit.

Music Credit:
Fall Afresh - 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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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 November 17
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 book of Isaiah, chapter 30.

21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

If you are a follower of Jesus, scripture tells you that you can hear his voice. Does that give you confidence? Do it feel confusing? Does God’s voice feel near to you today? Or perhaps far?
 
When we pray, “Come Holy Spirit”, we are inviting the spirit of God to increase His presence with us. We are praying: More! We are praying that we would become aware of, and attentive to, the fact that He is with us, He will lead us. God sees you, and God loves you. A friend of mine says it like this: “God is just crazy about you!”. Sometimes we forget that. Sometimes we don’t feel it to be true. But nevertheless… the Lord is near to you…

I am going to pray for you right now…. Lord, would you increase your presence with my sister, my brother? God, show yourself as the good father who you are. Spirit, fill them with your power, your life, and your vision. Jesus… would you lead this one? You are their good shepherd. Would you encounter them with a new infilling of your power and your love? In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Music Credit:
"Breathe On Us" - 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 November 16
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 gospel of Luke, chapter 2.

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Simeon was a man led by the spirit, and Anna was a woman filled by the spirit. Sitting here right now – wherever you are – are you fully expectant of a move of Gods spirit? Are you open to the interruption of the spirit? How might you stir up a gift of faith in God’s presence with you today? Perhaps through worship, or fasting today? Talk to God about this.

As you listen to the scripture again, ask God to highlight one word or phrase for you to contemplate today. I’m going to ask you to write it down so you can remember it as we end!

Anna “spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” Consider that phrase: looking forward to redemption. It is only through Christ that we find redemption! And he has given himself to us, and lives with us now, by the spirit. Ask God to increase your spiritual vision in this season… and give him your ‘yes’ to His interruptions.

Music Credit:
"Heaven's Work" - 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 November 15
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’s reading is from the book of Acts, chapter 15, read from the MSG version.

Paul and Barnabas stayed on in Antioch, teaching and preaching the Word of God. But they weren’t alone. There were a number of teachers and preachers at that time in Antioch. After a few days of this, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit all our friends in each of the towns where we preached the Word of God. Let’s see how they’re doing.” Barnabas wanted to take John along (the John nicknamed Mark). But Paul wouldn’t have him; he wasn’t about to take along a quitter who, as soon as the going got tough, had jumped ship on them in Pamphylia. Tempers flared, and they ended up going their separate ways.

This text brings to mind two seemingly unrelated things: first, the importance of scripture and good teaching… and second, how easy it is to experience relational breaks. Paul and Barnabas went separate ways, and John Mark, called a ‘quitter’, had walked away from followership.
 
Can you relate at all to these church leaders, committed followers of Jesus, teachers of God’s word… missionaries, even! And yet still finding themselves in a situation in which ‘tempers flared’? Which ended in them going separate ways? If you can relate to that scene of a relational break with a sister or brother in Christ, bring that before the Lord right now…
 
The work of Christ is found in reconciliation: us to God, us to ourselves, and us to those around us. Sometimes it’s easier to have a great quiet time, to study God’s word… than it is to do the things we read inside of it. Is there a relationship in your life that is broken? Talk to God about what His word says to you about the continual work of ‘coming back’ from separate ways of conflict. Ask God for wisdom about any relationship you are in that needs repair.

Music Credit:
"Make Us Like Jesus" - 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 November 14
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 37.

3 Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Take delight in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun.


God is faithful, and trustworthy. As you come to prayer today, take a bit of time to reflect on your experience of God’s faithfulness. Can you recall a specific memory where you saw God’s faithfulness to you? Take some time to sit with and remember that experience.
 
The Psalms remind us time and time again to keep our eyes on God, and His character. We often come to prayer distracted, minds full or anxious. Can you slow down, and focus deeply on your time of prayer? Can you listen to the Psalm again, paying attention to each word. You might want to rewind, and play it back several times today.
 
God is faithful, and trustworthy! He is our all in all, the bright morning star, the bringer and redeemer of life and truth and beauty and goodness. We can trust in Him. Right now, I sense an invitation for you to ask the Spirit to increase your faith. To deposit in you a faith that is a gift of grace, not something you muster up…… take time as we close to intercede for the church to grow in faith, hope, and love. Pray for your local church, and for other faith communities in your city.

Music Credit:
"All The Ways" - 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