Be Still: Daily Devotional

Today is July 31st

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 1 Samuel, chapter 20.

35 In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for his meeting with David. He had a small boy with him, 36 and he said to the boy, “Run and find the arrows I shoot.” As the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. 37 When the boy came to the place where Jonathan’s arrow had fallen, Jonathan called out after him, “Isn’t the arrow beyond you?” 38 Then he shouted, “Hurry! Go quickly! Don’t stop!” The boy picked up the arrow and returned to his master. 39 (The boy knew nothing about all this; only Jonathan and David knew.) 40 Then Jonathan gave his weapons to the boy and said, “Go, carry them back to town.”

41 After the boy had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together—but David wept the most.

42 Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever. This story is the description of two dear friends speaking in code to one another through what looked like archery practice… Jonathan – who is Saul’s son – telling his dear friend David that his father Saul was in a rage against David…. So much so that David’s life changed in that instant, and he was cast out of the house of Saul.

This is why the two friends wept. David had been cut off, and nothing would be the same for him. Jonathan was losing a best friend, and would only see David once again in his life. Have you ever experienced this kind of abrupt loss in your life? Where something that was once so good was torn away from you?

Listen again to this code-language of arrows where one friend is secretly telling the other life-interrupting news. Listen to the two friends weep as they say goodbye to one another. Think about what David would have felt – David, who had been a hero, and a guest in the court of King Saul… and who was now an outcast… And as you listen, bring an experience of your own loss before the Lord.

Have you ever been interrupted by difficult news? Have you ever realized that the future you thought was locked in, is now unattainable? Have you ever felt like David did: full of sadness at the unfairness of it all? Take all of this to the Lord as we end our time of prayer. Listen to His words of consolation to you.

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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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 July 28

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.

17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
18 Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come.

For how long have you followed the Lord? take a moment to remember when it was you first gave your life to Christ?

Perhaps you are a sage… someone who has followed God since your youth, and who are now – as the psalmist writes – old and gray. American culture doesn’t do a very good job of honoring our elders… but it’s the patience, endurance, resilience, and faithfulness of sages in the church that inspires the next generation of believers. Listen to the psalm again, and note what word or phrase stands out to you.

The psalmist wants to declare God’s power and mighty acts to the next generation. Have you shared your faith story with anyone from the next generation? As we end our time of prayer, invite God to speak to you about who He might have for you to share your God story with.

Music Credit:
You Don't Have To Lose Heart - Vineyard Worship, Joshua Miller (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 July 27

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 1st Samuel, chapter 16.

7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.

Does this scripture encourage you? Or maybe not. Maybe it is easy for you to rely on your own outward appearance as you navigate the world around you. For some, it’s a lot easier to keep up appearances than it is to form one’s heart inclinations in the way of Jesus. The Lord is present to you right now as you enter into prayer. Can you invite him, like the psalmist did, to ‘search your heart’ right now? What’s in there…? What’s the condition of your heart?

Consider the way that God turns things upside down. He uses that which is weak, to shame that which is strong. He sees strength in weakness. And he looks at the inside, not the outside of us. How do you most often look at people? Do you share the upside down vision of God in the way you consider those around you?

Do you have a sense of the Lord’s presence with you right now? What do you think He sees, swirling around in your heart? Take time with Him this morning. Talk to God about your heart. And then be still, and listen for his voice.

Music Credit:
Prayer of Consecration - 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 July 26

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 2 Corinthians, chapter 9.

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

I learned about generosity from a friend who stayed with us for over a year when we lived abroad, helping to care for our children when they were young. She had – and still has – the gift of radical hospitality… she planned the most wonderful parties… She exuded joy. I think of her, when I think of sowing generously, or of being a cheerful giver. From her, I learned: the more, the merrier… is true – even for an introvert! So often we are afraid to sow generously. We’re afraid we’ll run out. We’re afraid we’ll be too indulgent in our offerings. Do you know someone who’s an example for you, of a generous giver? Call them to mind. And call to mind how you feel when you’re in their presence.

Does generosity come naturally to you? Have you learned that it is better to give than to receive? Listen again, and ask God to direct your attention to something in this text for you to consider more today:

….So that in ALL things, and at ALL times, having ALL that you need… this is the fruit of knowing God. When we trust that God will provide for us in ALL… and when we consider ALL that He’s done for us… it’s easier to be a cheerful giver, and to sow generously. As we end our time of prayer today, ask God to remind you who he is and how generous He’s been to you? And will you – this week – reach out to the person who has served as an example of generosity to you, and thank them?

Music Credit:
Generous God - 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 July 25

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 3.

1 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.

John tells us that Nicodemus, who was a member of the ruling council, approaches Jesus at night. He was a curious man, and had several observations and questions for Jesus. Why do you think Nicodemus came to talk with Jesus in the quietness and hiddenness of night?

John shows us how Jesus reacts to those who are curious, who ask difficult questions. Are you surprised at Jesus’ answers? Are you surprised that Jesus doesn’t mind the questions? Listen again, and pay special attention to the back and forth of their conversation.

This conversation reminds me of two men playing chess in a park. There is a respectful rhythm to their dialogue. There also seems to be a mutual recognition that they are talking about something beyond this world: something of the spirit. Do you bring any questions to Jesus today? Do you trust Him to answer you with kindness and generosity? End your time of prayer by placing a question before the Lord. Then sit quietly, and wait for his response.

Music Credit:
As Above, So Below - Vineyard Music (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 July 24th

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 Nehemiah, chapter 2.

In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before, 2 so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.”

I was very much afraid, 3 but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”

4 The king said to me, “What is it you want?”

Then I prayed to the God of heaven, 5 and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.”

This short passage from the Old Testament story of Nehemiah is full of a wide range of emotions: sadness, curiosity, fear, courage… Nehemiah was sad, and – as the saying goes – he was wearing his sadness on his sleeve. So much so that the king even noticed, and inquired. As you come to prayer today, can you get present to the emotions swirling inside of you?

Nehemiah’s heart was saddened because something dear to him had been destroyed, and was in ruins. He longed to see the thing that had been damaged, be restored. As you listen to the passage read again…. Think about this: Is there anything in your past, or even in your present, that feels damaged or destroyed? Perhaps a friendship? A relationship with a parent? A hope you held close to your heart? Is there anything that is causing you a ‘sadness of heart’?

The king’s question to Nehemiah is ‘what is it you want?’. It reminds me of the types of questions Jesus asks in the New Testament: questions that seems obvious. He asks a sick person: what do you want? And we think: Jesus, they want to get well! The king asks Nehemiah: what do you want? And it seems straightforward – I want to rebuild the thing that was lost! In our relationship with God though, there is something connecting about these patterns of questions and answers. There is a vulnerability that comes by admitting what we want. There is a courage we demonstrate in asking. Can you come before God today in vulnerability and courage, in response to God’s question: “what is it you want?”

Music Credit:
You Make Everything New - 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 July 21

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 2 Corinthians, chapter 4.

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

Paul uses such great descriptors in these few verses that can give language to how we might be feeling…. What feelings are you bringing to God today? Do you identify with feeling hard pressed? Or perplexed? Or persecuted? Or struck down?

Hard pressed on every side, Paul says. BUT – not crushed. If you’re old enough you might remember the famous trash compactor scene from Star Wars. They were being hard pressed on every side! But they weren’t destroyed. At the last minute, they were saved. It’s a silly analogy, maybe, but memorable. He is with you in the pressing, and he is at work to save and help you. As you hear the passage again, listen for God’s saving help in the midst of your circumstances.

I love the phrase ‘but not’ in these verses. Paul is keeping it real, He’s not afraid to share frankly and honestly, but he’s able to retain the power of faith. It’s difficult, BUT NOT impossible. How do you think Paul is able to hold on to faith in this place? When the walls seem to be closing in around him? Talk to God about how you can hold on to faith as we close our time of prayer.

Music Credit:
"The Hidden Place" - 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 July 20th

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 50.

7 “Listen, my people, and I will speak;
I am God, your God.
8 I bring no charges against you concerning your sacrifices
or concerning your burnt offerings, which are ever before me.
9 I have no need of a bull from your stall
or of goats from your pens,
10 for every animal of the forest is mine,
and the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know every bird in the mountains,
and the insects in the fields are mine.
12 If I were hungry I would not tell you,
for the world is mine, and all that is in it.

It’s funny, to listen to this Psalm narrating God speaking about animals and insects! What do you take away from these lines: ‘If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.’?

I find this passage comforting, as it reorients me to my own smallness compared to God. God has no need of me, and needs nothing from me. I am not a provider like God is, nor am I a creator like God is. Do you ever forget that? Listen to this scripture again, and allow it to ground you, and settle you into a proper perspective.

So often we forget that we are not God. We are not the creator. We are not the maker. Nor are we the provider. The world is not ours: it is Gods. And we are not our own: we belong to God. Reflect, as we end our time of prayer today, where you may have falled into a wrong perspective. Ask God to restore your awareness and groundedness in Him.

Music Credit:
You Are God - 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