Be Still: Daily Devotional

Today is July 7th

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 18.

16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.
17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the LORD was my support.
19 He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me.

There are so many consolations in this short text: God reaches down to you, God takes hold of you and rescues you. God supports you. God brings you into a spacious place. And finally: God delights in you. As we begin our time of prayer today, can you close your eyes, and prayerfully imagine that the God of the universe is looking on you with love and delight?

Was that difficult to imagine? Imaginative prayer is simply a way of praying that takes scripture, and considers it not just intellectually, but imaginatively. In the same way a good book draws us into it’s larger story… and isn’t just a bunch of sentences strung together… scripture is meant to draw us into it, by the spirit’s presence, and breath life into us. As you listen again, imagine yourself, in your minds eye, as the object of God’s rescue, attention, and care…

Many people struggle to believe or experience the reality that God delights in them. What about you? When was the last time you felt – emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually – a sense of God looking on you with love and delight? Can you take time right now to be a bit vulnerable, and to ask God to draw near to you, and to fill you with His spirit of love and affection? Can you pray, as the Psalmist did: Lord, Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings…

Music Credit:
Father of Lights - 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 6th

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 Ruth, chapter 1.

11 But Naomi said, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could become your husbands? 16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” 18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.

This story is famous for Ruth's demonstration of friendship and fidelity to her mother-in-law Naomi. Can you imagine what it was like to be Naomi. First, she lost her husband. Later, all of her sons died. She had outlived all of her family, and was alone. Consider the degree of desolation she must have felt.

Jesus, in the New Testament, refers to his followers as ‘friends’. That’s a uniqueness to our Christian faith: that God himself drew near to humanity, made a covenant promise to humankind through Jesus, and says that we’re adopted as friends – sisters and brothers, even. Listen to the passage now, considering Ruth’s profound statement of friendship to Naomi... think about what it would actually feel like for Naomi to hear these words of covenant friendship from Ruth.

How are you coming into prayer today? Do you feel alone, or deeply connected to others? Or perhaps somewhere in between?

Music Credit:
More Than A Friend - 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 5th

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 Judges, chapter 16.

23 Now the rulers of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god and to celebrate, saying, “Our god has delivered Samson, our enemy, into our hands.” 26 Samson said to the servant who held his hand, “Put me where I can feel the pillars that support the temple, so that I may lean against them.” 27 Now the temple was crowded with men and women; all the rulers of the Philistines were there, and on the roof were about three thousand men and women watching Samson perform. 28 Then Samson prayed to the LORD, “Sovereign LORD, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.” 29 Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other, 30 Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived.

The Old Testament story of Sampson reads almost like some sort of HBO series. It’s filled with sacrifice, sex, betrayal, slavery, violence, retribution, and death. The Bible doesn’t sugarcoat history, or humanity… Scripture often acts like a window into the worst of the world. It reminds us that there is, indeed, darkness around us. When you think about an area of darkness in your life or in the world that you see, does that bring hope to you, that somehow God is not far away from that darkness?

The Gospel of John reminds us that Jesus came into the world to bring light into the darkness. Listen to this Old Testament story again, and hold it in juxtaposition to what you know of the upside-down way of the new covenant: forgiveness instead of retribution… peace instead of violence… reconciliation instead of animosity…

Christians are realists, we can look at the trouble, without pretending that things are as they should be. And yet – we can hold all of that real inside the knowledge that Jesus calls us forward in faith, hope, and love… toward a new kingdom reality. As we end our time of prayer, would you practice an exchange with God? Offer Him all of the stories you are holding that are filled with pain or trouble. And ask Him to draw near to you with His peace that passes understanding.

Music Credit:
Expectation - Vineyard Soul (E Major) (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 4th

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 26.

28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” 29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

The apostle Paul was consumed by the mission of God because He had experienced something so profound himself, through His revelation of Jesus as Lord. As you begin your time of prayer today, consider the sort of freedom that we are offered through Christ: not a temporal freedom, not a political freedom, not even a personal freedom. We are offered an ‘existential freedom’ - a freedom that defines our very existence. This is why Paul, even when he’s in chains, can say that he wants Agrippa to become like him. Paul has tasted the freedom found in God’s grace, and He knows how good it is. As you come to prayer today, are you mindful of the grace of God that is over your life?

Is there anyone you have been praying for, for a short or maybe even for a long time? Someone you hope one day experiences the grace and freedom of God? Perhaps a good friend, or colleague, or a parent? Hold that person before the Lord as you listen to the passage again.

Have you shared your faith – even in just a small way – with anyone over the past couple of months? Perhaps you offered to pray for a coworker, or you invited someone to Alpha, or you told a neighbor a story of God’s grace in your life. Or maybe not. Maybe you can’t find the words, or you don’t sense a good opportunity. As we end our time of prayer today, would you be willing to ask God for an opportunity this week to share a small word of faith? Be curious as you go about your week... knowing that there are people all around you who are hungry for a gentle word of freedom and grace.

Music Credit:
Fall On Me - 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 3rd

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 Corinthians, chapter 3.

6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

This passage offers us much needed perspective about who does what in the kingdom of God! Paul writes that each of us have a role to play, but that it’s only God who makes things actually grow. Are there places in your faith life where you feel a pressure to MAKE things grow? Perhaps an area of ministry? Perhaps another person’s faith? Can you offer those things back to God?

The passage also reminds us that we get to be co-workers with God. We get the joy of planting and watering... and then patiently watching for things to bloom. So while growth belongs to God, we get to participate, to partner with God. As you listen to the scripture again, can you wonder about your own role? Is there a person or situation in your life where you could plant or water a seed of faith?

Seeds don’t just need planted, they need to be nourished... even before you see any sign of life. As we end our time of prayer today, ask God to remind you of someone in your life who needs spiritual nourishment. Reach out to them today with a reminder of God’s goodness, and with words of encouragement that might feel like rain or sunshine to the seed of faith in their life.

Music Credit:
I Lift My Eyes Up - 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 June 30

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 23 – the MSG version.

11 That night the Master appeared to Paul: “It’s going to be all right. Everything is going to turn out for the best. You’ve been a good witness for me here in Jerusalem. Now you’re going to be my witness in Rome!”
12 Next day the Jews worked up a plot against Paul. They took a solemn oath that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed him.
16–17 Paul’s nephew, his sister’s son, overheard them plotting the ambush. He went immediately to the barracks and told Paul. Paul called over one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the captain. He has something important to tell him.”
18 The centurion brought him to the captain and said, “The prisoner Paul asked me to bring this young man to you. He said he has something urgent to tell you.”
19 The captain took him by the arm and led him aside privately. “What is it? What do you have to tell me?”
20–21 Paul’s nephew said, “The Jews have worked up a plot against Paul. They’re going to ask you to bring Paul to the council first thing in the morning on the pretext that they want to investigate the charges against him in more detail. But it’s a trick to get him out of your safekeeping so they can murder him. Right now there are more than forty men lying in ambush for him. They’ve all taken a vow to neither eat nor drink until they’ve killed him. The ambush is set—all they’re waiting for is for you to send him over.”
22 The captain dismissed the nephew with a warning: “Don’t breathe a word of this to a soul.”

This is a story of a plot against Paul’s life. But interestingly, the story begins with the words “It’s going to be all right. Everything is going to turn out for the best...”. How does this juxtaposition make you feel... these words of consolation and hope, followed by a story of impending doom?

Do you ever feel caught between faith and fear? Or deliverance and doom? Can you imagine being Paul in this situation? The Lord spoke a word of encouragement to him, and the next day, he woke up to bad news. Put yourself in Paul’s place as you listen to the scripture again. Remember that Paul doesn’t know the end of the story. He has no control over the situation. How would you feel, if you were in his place?

Is there a place in your reality that feels caught between: “the ambush is set” and “everything is going to turn out for the best”? Maybe you’re facing a frightening diagnosis or difficult treatment. Maybe you’re struggling financially. Whatever feels like an ‘ambush’ to you – can you hold that, and all the concern and anxiety it creates, alongside the truth that God is faithful to you? As we close our time, ask God to give you His peace, even when you don’t feel in control of your own circumstances.

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

Today is June 29

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 2nd Peter, chapter 3.

14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 15 Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 17 Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

Hello, dear friends. How are you feeling as you come into prayer today? What thoughts have been running through your mind? Take a few minutes to get oriented to what’s in your heart, and what’s on your mind today. Can you hold your feelings and your thoughts before the Lord as we begin?

Peter writes that ‘our Lord’s patience means salvation’. What do you think about the truth that God Himself has demonstrated patience toward you? Peter also writes that since we know God has been so patient with us, we should be on our guard to protect our secure relationship with Him. To not get ‘carried away’ by things that draw us away from the patience and love of God. As you listen to this passage again, pay attention to a particular word or phrase that stands out to you.

What does it mean to you, to ‘grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ’? As we end our time of prayer, ask God to show you what His invitation is for you today: toward more of His grace, and more knowledge of Him.

Music Credit:
Who is Like Our 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

Today is June 28

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 Daniel, chapter 7.

9 “As I looked,
“thrones were set in place,
and the Ancient of Days took his seat.
His clothing was as white as snow;
the hair of his head was white like wool.
His throne was flaming with fire,
and its wheels were all ablaze.
10 A river of fire was flowing,
coming out from before him.
Thousands upon thousands attended him;
ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.
The court was seated,
and the books were opened.
13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

What immediate impressions come to your mind after listening to this vision from the book of Daniel? What do you think it would feel like to participate in a scene like this from heaven?

Scripture is full of prophetic images and visions. This passage in Daniel is reminiscent of the passage in Revelation. People from every nation are gathered around the throne worshipping God. As you listen to this reading again, try to visualize a mental picture of what Daniel is describing.

When we think of God, very often we consider his imminence: how he became human in Christ, and drew near to us. His presence with us. This passage from Daniel brings to mind God’s transcendence: his big-ness. His other-ness. His holiness. His majesty. His power. As you walk through your day today, cultivate a sense of awe for his majesty and power over your life.

Music Credit:
Who Can Compare - 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 June 27

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 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.
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.

Contemplate for a moment how deeply God knows you. Is that a comfort to you? Does it make you feel exposed in any sense?

You hem me in behind and before… what do you think this means? As you listen to this scripture again, pay attention to what particular phrases or words stand out to you.

The words of this Psalm speak comfort to us. In a world that often chaotic, we hear the purposes of God through the text. In a world that often feels haphazard, we hear the order of God. And in a world where we often feel lost or unseen, we hear the closeness and attentiveness of God. As we end our time of prayer.... do you need to feel the comfort of God in any particular way?

Music Credit:
Creator - 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