Be Still: Daily Devotional

Today is November 1

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 14.

12 How you have fallen from heaven,
morning star, son of the dawn!
You have been cast down to the earth,
you who once laid low the nations!
13 You said in your heart,
“I will ascend to the heavens;
I will raise my throne
above the stars of God;
I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly,
on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon.
14 I will ascend above the tops of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.”
15 But you are brought down to the realm of the dead,
to the depths of the pit.

This prophetic scripture describes the fall of Lucifer – which itself means ‘morning star’ or ‘bright star’. Let’s consider something simple in what might feel like a confusing passage. Isaiah is prophesying about the final fall of Satan, and Isaiah describes to Satan the attitude of “wanting to ascend, to be like God…” in other words, he wants to grasp equality with God. And for that, He is brought down to the realm of the dead. Let me remind you of the nature of God Himself… who as Christ… ‘humbled himself, taking on the very nature of a slave…’ Think about that juxtaposition for a few moments.

Jesus is God, takes on flesh and DECENDS … humbling himself to death on a cross. And then He is raised up. Lucifer desires the opposite: to ASCEND and to be like God. He is proud. And then He is brought down. Listen to the scripture again and contemplate these things…

As you end your time of prayer, talk with the Lord about what this passage, or these reflections, have brought to your mind. What does it mean for you to follow the way of Christ? Where might you feel tempted by the sin of pride?

Music Credit:
"Humble King" - 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 October 31

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 book of Acts, chapter 8.

14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Samaria is north of Jerusalem, a little over 100km away. Googlemaps says it would have taken about 25 hours to walk from one place to the other. And yet, Peter and John set out – walking day and night – so that they could pray for the new believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. We often read this passage and think about it in light of baptism of the spirit… but would you instead reflect on their sacrifice for other believers in Jesus. What would it take for you to consider walking 25 hours to lay hands on and pray for someone? What comes to mind as you consider this intentional, encouraging visit from an established church, to a new community of believers?

Listen again, and put yourself in the place of these new believers in Samaria. They’ve given themselves to the name of Jesus… but in some sense, it seems they’ve not yet fully understood the implications of that, or what it meant to be filled with the Spirit. Imagine their joy at seeing Peter and John, walking into town. Consider their increase of faith as they received prayer, and were drawn into this fellowship of believers. Listen to the scripture again, and pay attention not only to the words, but to what the experience itself must have been like.

Because Christians become a part of a new body – the body of Christ – we are called to not only the Lord, but to one another. To walk toward one another, and towards fellowship. As we close our time of prayer, ask yourself, How deeply connected are you to Christ’s body? How often are you praying for others or receiving prayer through others? Speak to the Lord about your own desires or hesitations about being connected to the body of Christ. Some of you may thank God for the relationships you have. Some might feel hurt or wary. Talk to God and ask him to show you your place in the body of Christ.

Music Credit:
"Familia" - 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 October 30

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 Mark, chapter 10.

13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

I love what this story tells us about the heart of God. As we begin to enter into prayer today, center yourself on this phrase, spoken by Jesus, to his very followers: “let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them….” Imagine you’re in the crowd, watching this situation unfold. How do you respond to Jesus?

I also love what this story shows us about the heart of God. Imagine again, this crowd. Imagine unruly kids running around. Imagine the disciples, trying to get everyone under control. Now imagine Jesus: not just speaking into the situation, speaking welcome to the kids… but then actually leaning down, getting himself low, and lifting up one of the wild kids in his arms. Imagine a huge smile on his face as he holds this child. Imagine hearing his quiet word of blessing spoken over him or her. Listen again, and enter the story…

Receiving the kingdom of God like a little child means receiving the kingdom through grace: not through our own works, but through the work of Jesus. Jesus did all the work necessary for us to come to him, and for us to enjoy the welcome of His kingdom. As we end our time of prayer today, invite God to give you a fresh experience of His Father’s heart – for you, and for the least… the last… and the lost around you…

Music Credit:
"As Children" - 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

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 October 27

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 Mark, chapter 8.

34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?

How do the words ‘deny yourself’ feel to you? Start your prayer today by thinking about the discipline of self-denial… and do a bit of evaluating regarding yourself, and how well you engage in this particular discipline. If you’re like me, you’re not very good at it! Allow the Lord to search your heart for places where he is inviting you to deny yourself.

I often think how funny it is that we followers of Jesus love to read his words as metaphor. Ah, they may be thinking as they listen to him: ‘take up our cross’. Okay… that means we’ll do some difficult stuff. Imagine how they felt a few years later, remembering these words, as they watched Jesus stumble through the streets, beaten and bloody, carrying His cross. Listen again, and try to put yourself in their place. How would that moment of reality shift their metaphorical understanding of this text?

“Whoever lives their life for me and for the gospel will save it…” Let’s recall: what is the gospel? How would you summarize it up for yourself? If you can, take time to remind yourself of the gospel. If you have trouble finding the words, then ask yourself, How has the good news of Jesus changed my life and how can I live for him today?

Music Credit:
"This Is Love" - 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 October 26

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 Psalm 139.

1 You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, LORD, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

Do you feel ‘hemmed in’ today? Or do you feel scattered, disoriented, or distracted? Take some time and ask God to help you integrate yourself today. To come into communion with Him, and to sense His hedge of protection around you.

As you listen again to the image, can you call to mind the picture of an unborn child, safe in her mother’s womb? For some, this might feel like a stretch. For some, it might bring to mind some grief because of a sense of loss. For others, it might call to your attention the power of God over life itself. Listen again to the scripture, and consider how God’s care and keeping for you began before one of your days came to be.

“Your works are wonderful!” The writer says: about himself! We are all the handiwork of God. Is there someone in your world who may have forgotten that? A child perhaps? A friend? Ask God, as we end our time of prayer, to draw you into contact with someone this week over whom you might speak these words: “you are beautifully and wonderfully made!”.

Music Credit:
"Sons & Daugters" - 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 October 25

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 7.

14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. 15 He will be eating curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, 16 for before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste.

This is a well-known prophecy from the book of Isaiah. God promises a sign through the prophet Isaiah. The messiah Jesus would be born to a virgin. But it didn’t come quickly. It came 700 years after this prophecy was given. As you come to prayer today, how does it feel to hear the words: “the Lord himself will give you a sign”? Consider God’s people through history – who experienced both waiting and fulfillment…. longing and hope…. Where are you feeling on that continuum today? Are you in a season of waiting? Are you holding on to a sign that points to hope?

Think about hope, for a moment. When was the last time you felt a visceral experience of hope? What did that feel like? Can you walk yourself through a remembrance of that moment before we hear the scripture again?

The sign that is promised in this text seems impossible. It’s otherworldly. It’s upside down. It’s hidden in the ordinariness of life. As we end our time of prayer today, can you ask God for eyes to see, and a heart to remember, the hope he’s spoken and the fulfillment you’ve received?

Music Credit:
"Cherry Blossoms" -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 October 24

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 book of Acts, chapter 3.

3 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.

Welcome to prayer today. As we begin, take time to consider how you are showing up today... are you showing up like the man who was lame... aware of your own weakness and infirmity? Are you showing up like Peter and John, clearly filled with gifts of faith? OR are you showing up like everyone else... going about their day without a lot of thought...

I love how this text pulls both weakness and faith into the same space. The two meet in this unnamed man, at the gate called Beautiful. Listen again and consider a place in your life that feels weak, or infirm.... and then consider a place where you feel filled with faith.

“Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.” Do you notice that this healing doesn’t happen until AFTER Peter & John help the man up? When they reached down to help him up, he was still lame. Can you imagine that moment of faith and trust in the power of God? Can you invite that kind of faith and trust into your life today?

Music Credit:
"Invitation Fountain" - 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 October 23

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 James, chapter 1.

19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

Sometimes, even when we try to enter into times of attentiveness, we struggle to actually pay attention! What do you recall from the scripture we just heard? Can you recall the main theme, a phrase, or word? Our minds are often full! And we are so often distracted! Take a moment to get present to what’s on your mind right now. As you get present to that thing, I want you to close your hand around it as if you’re holding on to it.

Now, I want you to open your hands and release that thing, or those things to God. Say, “I give this to you, Lord and ask you for an exchange. What I have for what you have.” As we read the scripture again now, so take a moment and prepare yourself to really pay attention. Ask God to draw your attention to these words from James.

James tells us that it is the ‘word planted in us, that can save us’. Christ Himself is the word who is planted in us. And scripture, when breathed full of life by the Spirit, is the word which is planted in us. James reminds us that ‘looking intently’ at these things brings freedom. Would you consider a question today: What is a word that he has planted in you? What might it mean for you to take time today to cultivate the word of God that he has planted in you? Carry that word in your heart today.

Music Credit:
"I Bless The Lord" - Vineyard Worship (UK) (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