Be Still: Daily Devotional

Today is July 19th

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 2nd Corinthians, chapter 1.

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

How are you feeling today? Is there anything happening around you which is causing YOU to feel a need to be comforted? Where is it that you need the compassion of God?

The Greek work for comfort in this passage refers to a “holy urging” and is used of the Lord directly motivating and inspiring believers to carry out His plan. It means not only to comfort, but to encourage, to console. You might imagine a husband helping his wife through labor and delivery, quietly and compassionately whispering words of courage and guidance to the mother-to-be. Listen to the passage again, and consider what it means that we can receive God’s comfort in this way…

Most of us live or worship among people who are bruised and aching. There is a weariness in our culture. There’s a growing sense of isolation and disconnection. How might you enter into your day as a comfort-bringer? Can you ask God to give you His eyes through which to see the world around you? Can you ask God to draw your attention to someone, and to give you a prophetic word of encouragement to pass along?

Music Credit:
Fix Our Eyes - 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 18th

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 Ezra, chapter 6.

3 In the first year of King Cyrus, the king issued a decree concerning the temple of God in Jerusalem: Let the temple be rebuilt as a place to present sacrifices, and let its foundations be laid. 7 Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its site. 8 Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do for these elders of the Jews in the construction of this house of God: Their expenses are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury, from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop. 9 Whatever is needed—young bulls, rams, male lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, and wheat, salt, wine and olive oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem—must be given them daily without fail, 10 so that they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the God of heaven and pray for the well-being of the king and his sons.

Can you imagine what it would be like to follow a religion that demanded burnt animal sacrifices on a daily basis? For most of us, it’s is a very strange thing to think about. How do you feel about that?

Consider that today, you’re coming to prayer not in a temple, and not with any sort of sacrifice. You’re coming as you are, covered by God’s grace, following in the way of Christ who was the last sacrifice needed, and who gave Himself up for us. Listen to the text again and think about how different your experience with God is, from the one we’re reading.

In the Old Testament, God tells His people that the kind of sacrifice he desires are those that bear the fruit of justice, humility, and mercy. Are there ways that you can, today, made sacrificial decisions in your own life that bear such fruit? Talk to God about this as we end.

Music Credit:
I Am Yours - 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 17th

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 Titus, chapter 3.

3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

This passage juxtaposes what it refers to as ‘at one time’—foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved …. With ‘when the kindness and love of God our savior appeared…’ –washing, rebirth, renewal. There’s a looking back to a past without God, followed by an awareness of a radical change. Think about the phrase ‘at one time,’ and think about your past. What was your life like apart from Christ? What words would you use to describe that experience?

As you hear the reading again, notice the incredible change that happens between what was an what is. Listen for what you are grateful for today because of Christ’s presence in your life.

Are there any areas of your life where you still feel foolish, disobedient, or enslaved? As you come to prayer today, are you aware of places in your heart or behavior where you again need the interruption of God’s mercy and grace? Talk to God about those places as we end our time of prayer.

Music Credit: Saved - 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 14th

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 1st Timothy, chapter 6.

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

How are you feeling as this week comes to a close? This passage speaks of contentment, and the pursuit of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness…. Vs the pursuit of a lot of other things that might come out of a lack of contentment… As yourself: am I in a place of contentment today? If not, why?

It seems like Paul is saying that the good fight of faith can be seen as the pursuit of the right things… kingdom things instead of worldly things… eternal life instead of living-in-the-moment… and contentment, instead of the search for bigger, better, faster, and more. Listen in again for what Paul is calling ‘great gain’…

I think that in order to maintain a spirit of contentment, we need proper perspective. We need to focus on ‘have’ vs ‘want’. If our eyes are always set on our ‘wants’… we lose perspective and live out of unmet desires, or lusts. If we are, on the other hand, content with our ‘haves’ we can live out of a place of sufficiency and enoughness… but God’s. What are your eyes on more? Wants, or haves? End prayer today by asking God to give you His perspective, and to help you focus on those things that Paul would call ‘great gain’ for your faith.

Music Credit:
Surrendered In Praise - 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 13th

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 1 Corinthians 13.

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

This is such a familiar scripture for many of us. I’m going to read it in The Message Version in hopes you might notice something in a new way:

If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.2 If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing.3-7 If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
8-10 Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.11 When I was an infant at my mother’s breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.12 We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!13 But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.

Consider this verse: no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.

This is Paul writing. Paul the evangelist. Paul the apostle. Paul, the author of early church theology and pastoral practice. Paul who admonished, and counseled, and exhorted. And he says, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. As we end our time of prayer today, allow yourself to feel the weight of Paul’s words about love. You might want to take some more time in this scripture this week, reading it in multiple versions, and meditating on God’s word to you through this passage. God is love.

Music: To Know Your 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 July 12th

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 1st Samuel, chapter 3.

1 The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.

2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the LORD, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.”
5 And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. 6 Again the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. 8 A third time the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

There are so many things to notice in this story. First, there were not many visions from the Lord. It was a desert time. Second, the boy Samuel heard the voice of God before, scripture says, Samuel even knew the Lord! Third, Eli discerned the Lord’s voice for Samuel, and taught Samuel how to respond. What else did you notice in the first reading of the story?

As you listen again, pay close attention, and ask God to focus you on one phrase.

The two phrases that stand out to me are ‘ Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see…’ and ‘Samuel did not yet know the Lord…’ I’m struck that in a passage about God revealing himself – during a time of ‘not many visions’ – God reveals himself to an old man with failing vision, and a young man who didn’t yet know the Lord. I love how God’s revelations often come like this – in places where He’s least expected, to people who are least prepared for it. End your time of prayer thinking about the phrases that stood out to you, and what God is speaking to you today.

Music Credit:
To Know 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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Today is July 11th

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 26.

1 Vindicate me, LORD,
for I have led a blameless life;
I have trusted in the LORD
and have not faltered.
2 Test me, LORD, and try me,
examine my heart and my mind;
3 for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love
and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.

When I first hear this text, I’m astonished by the psalmists self-assuredness: “I have led a blameless life; I have not faltered…” I’m even more astonished when I recall the life of the psalmist, the shepherd king David… slayer of giants, man of courage, and also adulterer and betrayer. How do you hold all of that together? As you come to prayer today, do you yourself feel like a mix of self-assuredness alongside the reality of your own shortcomings? As you listen to the psalm against, consider this: David was actually less self-assured than he was GOD-assured. He’s assured in God as vindicator, God as trustworthy, God as unfailing, and God as faithful. Try to listen with an emphasis on who GOD is, and not who David is.

To live in reliance on the faithfulness of God is to be very assured of two things: first, that you are in desperate need of God. Second, that God is unfailingly faithful. Which do you feel more aware of right now. As we come to the end of our prayer, bring that awareness to the Lord and invite Him to be present to you.

Music Credit:
Your Love Endures - 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 10th

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 1st Samuel, chapter 1.

9 Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the LORD’s house. 10 In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly. 11 And she made a vow, saying, “LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”

12 As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.” 15 “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD.

Hannah was heartbroken. She was in anguish and was praying desperately to the Lord for a child. Many of us know the anguish of infertility. Some have walked through the valley of the shadow of death during the illness or loss of a child. Hannah calls herself ‘a woman who is deeply troubled’, and she is pouring out her troubles to the Lord. Eli, if we’re going to be honest, is a troublesome interruption. He doesn’t notice her pain, and even makes an accusation against her. Think about Eli's response to seeing pain that he didn’t understand. How do you feel about it?

As you listen to the scripture again, consider who you feel more connected to in this story? Are you like Hannah feeling miserable, or bargaining with God for an answered prayer? Or are you like Eli, quick to overlook or dismiss emotions or anguish? Don’t put a value on one vs the other, and don’t judge. Just be curious about yourself.

I imagine that many of us came to prayer today with profound needs, or deep desires. Some may have come filled with deep troubles. Maybe someone listening is right now bearing the weight of infertility, or loss. For whatever pain you are holding today, I am deeply sorry. As we end our time of prayer, let’s hold one another before the Lord. Consider all those who are listening right now, and all the heartbreak they may carry. Ask God to draw near, as He promises He will, to the brokenhearted.

Music Credit:
I Am God - Vineyard Kids (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