Be Still: Daily Devotional

Today is August 11

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 1 Samuel, chapter 30.

3 When David and his men reached Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. 4 So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. 5 David’s two wives had been captured—Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 6 David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

There is a lot in this ancient text that we find hard to understand. But there is one thing that makes perfect sense to us, even in our modern world: we know what it feels like to feel grief.

David and his men were grieved by profound and traumatic loss. They were greatly distressed. They wept until they had not more strength. As you come to prayer today... what emotions are you carrying? Can you speak them out to the Lord?

David cries until he has no more strength, the scripture tells us. And then: he found strength in the Lord. This scripture doesn’t tell us that David felt strong the whole way through. Quite the opposite: he felt totally empty. Totally weak. Totally bankrupt. And then, in that state, he turned to the Lord. Listen again. If you are in a season of grief, or weakness, or emptiness right now... can you turn to the Lord like David did? Can you ask Him to renew your strength?

Where is it that you feel emptied today? What is it that you need? What feels impossible, but by the grace of God? Sometimes we hold those things as worries, as anxieties. We ruminate on them instead of praying. As we end, take a moment and talk to God – out loud even – about where it is you feel grieved, or emptied, or weak. And invite Him, by the power of the Spirit, to fill you up. Again, sometimes giving voice to our prayers – even in a whisper – helps us to move from anxiously ruminating or worrying... to actually abiding with our Father in heaven.

Music Credit:
Invitacion Fountain - Vineyard Worship (YouTube)

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

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Today is August 10

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 John, chapter 11.

17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.

If you could put a title on this passage I think it would be, Disappointment with God. Martha and Mary and Lazarus were good friends of Jesus. And when Lazarus became sick and they sent word about it to Jesus, they believed that Jesus wouldn’t let the worst case happen. Surely Lazarus wouldn’t die. Surely Jesus would come and save the day. They had seen Jesus do it with complete strangers, surely he would save his friends. But he didn’t. And Martha and Mary are devastated. Have you ever been devastated because God let you down?

In this passage, Martha tells Jesus how she feels. She says, “if you had been here, he wouldn’t have died.” Can you imagine the moment Martha said those words to Jesus? What do you think she would have looked like? What would she have sounded like? As you listen to the passage again, consider also how you think Jesus felt as he stood before Martha.

As we close our time of prayer, I wonder if there is anything in your life that you’re disappointed with God about. I wonder if, like Martha, you could look Jesus in the eye and share your disappointment with him? And I wonder if you could listen for his response to you?

Music Credit:
"Roll Like a River" - 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 August 9

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 Psalm 95.

1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
3 For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
7 for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.

To be under the care of a good and gracious God is a wonderful thing! Think for a moment as we begin: do you have a sense of God’s goodness sin your life? Do you have an experience of His care that you can reflect on?

As you listen to this passage again, ask the Lord to highlight a word or phrase to you... something that you can consider, or even meditate on, through your day...

In His hands are the depths of the earth.... The sea is His, for He made it... the mountain peaks belong to him... God is all, and all is in the care and keeping of God. Many times we forget the truth of our position under the care of God. As you end this time of prayer, draw yourself back to this truth: God holds you in the palm of his hand... and You can cast all your anxieties onto the Lord, because he cares for you!

Music Credit:
Bless His Name/To Him Who Sits On The Throne - 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 August 8

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 Romans, chapter 8.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Many Christians, especially those of us who have grown up in the West, are not really prepared for suffering, especially suffering for our faith. But throughout the New Testament, suffering for Christ is a given. The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Philippi and says: “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.” Paul sees suffering as a gift, something that is granted, because it’s a way that we can identify with Christ. Now, consider for a moment how you think about suffering. What is your reaction when you experience hardship or suffering?

Paul here says, can suffering separate you from Christ? Trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, sword? No way. We are more than conquerors! What circumstance in your life is keeping you from the love of God? As you listen the passage again, can you invite Christ to transform your mind that you might think of yourself as more than a conqueror?

As we close our time, what if you make this your prayer today, and you repeat it quietly through the day…Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Music Credit:
What Can Separate - 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 August 7

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

ake 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 9.

17 Then they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” The man replied, “He is a prophet.”

18 They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents. 19 “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?”

20 “We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. 21 But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.” 24 A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.”

25 He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”

They still did not believe. These people had witnessed a great miracle... one that was provable. And yet, they did not believe. Their hearts seem hard, and they seem very keen to cast blame, and to cause trouble.... instead of being in awe over such a remarkable thing as the restoration of sight. As you come to prayer today, can you examine the condition of your heart? Are you at peace? Angry? Cynical? Feeling full of blame toward someone? Can you invite Jesus to draw near to you, however it is you find yourself today?

As you listen to the story again, imagine yourself as the man who received healing. He’s been blind since birth, and now can see. And yet no one is asking him about THAT! They’re complaining, interrogating him, involving his parents, there’s all sort of commotion. Imagine how you would feel if you were this man. Imagine your encounter with this healing power. Imagine the sense of perspective about life you would have in a situation like this. Can you imagine the tone with which he speaks his words at the end of this text?

The miraculous gifts of the Spirit are a demonstration of the reign and rule of God in the world. Jesus came declaring that the kingdom of God is at hand! One response to that is a cynical one. Full of doubt, or interrogation. Another response is one that is full of faith... that says, perhaps: ‘i don’t know... I was blind but now I see!’ Take time as we end to invite God’s spirit to increase your gift of faith... To give you holy perspective... and to cause your heart to soften and to be filled by His love.

Music Credit:
I Speak 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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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 August 4th

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 Hosea, chapter 2.

15 There I will give her back her vineyards,
and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope.
There she will respond as in the days of her youth,
as in the day she came up out of Egypt.
16 “In that day,” declares the LORD,
“you will call me ‘my husband’;
you will no longer call me ‘my master.’
17 I will remove the names of the Baals from her lips;
no longer will their names be invoked.
18 In that day I will make a covenant for them
with the beasts of the field, the birds in the sky
and the creatures that move along the ground.
Bow and sword and battle
I will abolish from the land,
so that all may lie down in safety.
19 I will betroth you to me forever;
I will betroth you in righteousness and justice,
in love and compassion.
20 I will betroth you in faithfulness,
and you will acknowledge the LORD.
21 “In that day I will respond,”
declares the LORD—
“I will respond to the skies,
and they will respond to the earth;
22 and the earth will respond to the grain,
the new wine and the olive oil,
and they will respond to Jezreel.
23 I will plant her for myself in the land;
I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.’
I will say to those called ‘Not my people,’ ‘You are my people’;
and they will say, ‘You are my God.’

One of the ways to think about the story of the Bible is to think about a story of a troubled marriage. God had made a covenant with the people of Israel and described that covenant as something akin to a marriage covenant. And like every marriage it started with a honeymoon phase. And like every marriage things became difficult at a certain point. And in this case it became seemingly impossible to continue because Israel became so unfaithful. Israel’s heart for God, her heart for the relationship was gone. Reflect for a moment on where your heart with God is? How would you describe your relationship with God?

In the story of Hosea, God’s response is so different than our human inclination. He says, “No matter how cold your heart is toward me, I’m not going to stop loving you. Even though you have left me, I’m going to wait for you.” As you hear the passage again, consider the unbelievable faithfulness of God toward you, that no matter how warm or cold the state of your heart or how strong or poor your relationship is, he is faithful to you.

Consider the end of the story. The end of the story is a marriage made new, a love made new. God is preparing his bride, the body of Christ. And one day, you and I will experience the fulness and rightness of love as it was meant to be. As we close our time of prayer, ask God to fill your heart with a love that anticipates that day.

Music Credit:
Reckless Love - 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 August 3rd

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 84.

10 Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.

As you come to prayer today, consider what it means to be able to draw near to God. The Psalmist is praising what it is like to be in the presence of God... in the temple courts... Take time right now to become aware that you are in the presence of God. Allow your perspective to be changed by that truth.

It is very normal for us, as we go about our day-to-day lives, to forget about God’s presence. To not be attentive to the truth that He is our sun – our light and warmth and provision.... and that He is our shield... our protection and strength. What feelings, thoughts, or worries might you need to release, right now, in order to be able to reorient yourself and your vision toward Christ?

Not only are we in God’s presence, the psalmist reassures us that God is the giver of good things. He bestows favor and honor to His people. How have you experienced God’s goodness in your life recently? Take time now to remember, and to cultivate gratitude in your heart to God.

Music Credit:
I Love Your Presence - 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 August 2nd

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 Romans, chapter 3.

21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans is filled with rich and robust theological statements. How do you engage with ideas that are so complex? Do you feel overwhelmed by them? Or are you drawn to the work of understanding them? Think for a moment about how you tend to engage with scripture: more reflectively, or more studiously? With the head, or the heart?

If I were summarizing this rich and complex passage, I would put it like this: When I could do nothing to get to God, God did everything to get to me. As you listen to this passage again, I wonder if you could summarize it in your own words. What stands out to you in these words?

Paul writes deep truths out of a knowledge of who God is. Paul didn’t just know about God… Paul had an encounter with God… and that encounter spoke to both Paul’s heart and his mind… Do you have a sense of needing an encounter with God today? As we close, talk to your heavenly Father as a child might talk to their good and gracious Father… asking for what you need from Him.

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

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Today is August 1st

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

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

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, chapter 6.

26 Jesus answered...27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”

29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

This passage comes after the miraculous feeding of the 5000. The same crowd is chasing after Jesus, and he offers them these words: don’t chase after food that will spoil, but chase after that which is eternal – after me. Jesus tells them that their work is to believe in Jesus. What are you chasing after? Are you hungry for belief? For faith?

The crowd asks ‘what work do we need to do’. They are used to religious works. But Jesus says: your work is to believe. Listen again. How does this make you feel?

For many of us, outward works are easier than inner faith. What is the state of your belief today? What is the condition of your faith? Talk to God about this as we end our time of prayer.

Music Credit:
The Hidden Place - Vineyard (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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