Be Still: Daily Devotional

Today is June 2.

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.”

This week, our reflections centered on Pentecost, and considered how God’s love for the all the nations is demonstrated throughout scripture.

Today's reading is from Revelation, chapter 7. Over the course of this week, we’ve reflected on several passages of scripture that help us understand the missional nature of God. This scripture, from Revelation, gives us a picture of what that mission will look like at the end of times: all the nations, giving worship to God.

"9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

Revelation 7 describes a massive scene: an uncountable multitude of people, gathering from every nation, every tribe, every people, and every language. And together, as one, they are standing before the throne of God crying out in worship. Imagine you could see this vision for yourself... and take time to consider all the people who would be gathered there. What sounds and sights? What ethnicities would you see? What customs and clothes? What would it feel like to be among that multitude, do you think?

As you listen again to the reading, consider that this picture offers a culmination of God’s missional nature. God came into the world in one human person—Christ—in one place and time, in one limited geography. And through that person, he built a bridge for all humanity to come to him. And then he sent His spirit, to inspire us and to fill us with the outward-spilling power and presence of God.

"9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

All Christians are called to mission. Some give and support financially and practically. Some pray, and support with encouragement and spiritual care. And some go. If you are a part of a local church and are not connected with community, or mission, or service... take time this week to find how you can get involved. As we close this week’s Pentecost reflections, ask God to stir up in you both a sense of His Spirit, and also a sense of his sending.

Music Credit:
I Give My All - 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 1.

The fourth day after PENTECOST Sunday.

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.”

This week, our reflections are centering on Pentecost, and considering how God’s love for the all the nations is demonstrated throughout scripture.
Today there are two readings: first from Leviticus 19, and second, from Hebrews 13. As we continue our reflections on Pentecost, we’ll take today to consider that God’s spirit compelled the early church to break down common divisions like us vs them, foreigner, or immigrant

First, a reading from Leviticus 19
33 “‘When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them.34 The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.

Second, a reading from Hebrews 13
"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it"

In the Hebrews text the Greek word for hospitality is philo-xenia, and literally means “love of strangers,” or “friend to strangers”. In Leviticus, we hear God’s command to love the immigrant ‘as we love ourselves’. The outward pull of the gospel that we’ve been reflecting on this week is empowered by the Spirit, but it’s motivated by love. God so loved that he did what? He sent...
He took action... He drew near. Listen to these two scriptures again, and consider how both passages link something sacred with being hospitable.

First, a reading from Leviticus 19
33 “‘When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them.34 The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.

Second, a reading from Hebrews 13
"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it"


Loving the other, showing hospitality, welcoming the immigrant, being sent to the nations... all of these are things that seem good to many of us, at least in theory. But it’s clear, looking at the world around us, that this is not as easy as it sounds. Can you reflect, as we end – not on what you value about these ideas, but how you put them into practice? Or perhaps, you don’t, and you want to ask God to help you learn to be missional and hospitable?

Music Credit:
No Longer Strangers - 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

More at pickerill.casa

Today is MAY 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.”

This week, our reflections are centering on Pentecost, and considering how God’s love for the all the nations is demonstrated through scripture.

Today’s reading is from Acts 13. For the past two days, we’ve reflected on the story of Pentecost, and it’s relation to the OT story of Babel – Today, we’ll read the story of Paul’s first missionary journey – the natural outworking of God’s spirit falling on the church on Pentecost. You’ll hear this read from The Message version:

"13 1-2 The congregation in Antioch was blessed with a number of prophet-preachers and teachers:
Barnabas,
Simon, nicknamed Niger,
Lucius the Cyrenian,
Manaen, an advisor to the ruler Herod,
Saul.
One day as they were worshiping God—they were also fasting as they waited for guidance—the Holy Spirit spoke: “Take Barnabas and Saul and commission them for the work I have called them to do.”
3 So they commissioned them. In that circle of intensity and obedience, of fasting and praying, they laid hands on their heads and sent them off.
4-5 Sent off on their new assignment by the Holy Spirit, Barnabas and Saul went down to Seleucia and caught a ship for Cyprus. The first thing they did when they put in at Salamis was preach God’s Word in the Jewish meeting places. They had John along to help out as needed.
6-7 They traveled the length of the island, and at Paphos came upon a Jewish wizard who had worked himself into the confidence of the governor, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man not easily taken in by charlatans. The wizard’s name was Bar-Jesus. He was as crooked as a corkscrew.
7-11 The governor invited Barnabas and Saul in, wanting to hear God’s Word firsthand from them. But Dr. Know-It-All (that’s the wizard’s name in plain English) stirred up a ruckus, trying to divert the governor from becoming a believer. But Saul (or Paul), full of the Holy Spirit and looking him straight in the eye, said, “You bag of wind, you parody of a devil—why, you stay up nights inventing schemes to cheat people out of God. But now you’ve come up against God himself, and your game is up. You’re about to go blind—no sunlight for you for a good long stretch.” He was plunged immediately into a shadowy mist and stumbled around, begging people to take his hand and show him the way.
12 When the governor saw what happened, he became a believer, full of enthusiasm over what they were saying about the Master."

This sounds like quite the adventure! Far from his isolated, exclusive, and excluding faith of the past... Saul, who later became the Apostle Paul, is traveling far and wide to invite whoever he can into life with Christ. Scripture tells us multiple times that these missionaries were ‘full of the Holy Spirit’. And just like at Pentecost, in Acts 2, we see that the Spirit doesn't just fall, and doesn’t just fill, but that the Spirit sends. Think about that implication for your faith, for a moment.

Pope Francis has said that Christians are a people of pilgrims and evangelizers... Meaning we are on a pilgrimage toward God and His kingdom, and on our way, we are sharing the evangel – the good news – that we’ve experienced in Jesus. Listen again to this work out in the life of Paul and the early church missionaries:

"13 1-2 The congregation in Antioch was blessed with a number of prophet-preachers and teachers:
Barnabas,
Simon, nicknamed Niger,
Lucius the Cyrenian,
Manaen, an advisor to the ruler Herod,
Saul.
One day as they were worshiping God—they were also fasting as they waited for guidance—the Holy Spirit spoke: “Take Barnabas and Saul and commission them for the work I have called them to do.”
3 So they commissioned them. In that circle of intensity and obedience, of fasting and praying, they laid hands on their heads and sent them off.
4-5 Sent off on their new assignment by the Holy Spirit, Barnabas and Saul went down to Seleucia and caught a ship for Cyprus. The first thing they did when they put in at Salamis was preach God’s Word in the Jewish meeting places. They had John along to help out as needed.
6-7 They traveled the length of the island, and at Paphos came upon a Jewish wizard who had worked himself into the confidence of the governor, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man not easily taken in by charlatans. The wizard’s name was Bar-Jesus. He was as crooked as a corkscrew.
7-11 The governor invited Barnabas and Saul in, wanting to hear God’s Word firsthand from them. But Dr. Know-It-All (that’s the wizard’s name in plain English) stirred up a ruckus, trying to divert the governor from becoming a believer. But Saul (or Paul), full of the Holy Spirit and looking him straight in the eye, said, “You bag of wind, you parody of a devil—why, you stay up nights inventing schemes to cheat people out of God. But now you’ve come up against God himself, and your game is up. You’re about to go blind—no sunlight for you for a good long stretch.” He was plunged immediately into a shadowy mist and stumbled around, begging people to take his hand and show him the way.
12 When the governor saw what happened, he became a believer, full of enthusiasm over what they were saying about the Master."


Christians are called to be missional because the gospel is missional. And not only missional to our own people... but missional to all people, to the nations. A large part of what drives missionary work is a deep sense of calling to see the Gospel expand through the nations. It’s being filled with the Spirit, and called to the world. As we close our time of prayer, ask God to enliven you with this same spirit, and keep your ears turned toward His guidance. Where might He have you go?

Music Credit:
Heaven's Work - 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

More at pickerill.casa

Today is MAY 30.

The second day after PENTECOST Sunday.

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.”

This week, our reflections are centering on Pentecost, and considering how God’s love for the all the nations is demonstrated through scripture.

Today’s reading is from Genesis 11 – the story of Babel. As we mentioned yesterday, Pentecost is often read as a reversal of what happens here, in the story of Babel.

"1 Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. 2 As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there.
3 They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”
5 But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. 6 The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.”
8 So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 That is why it was called Babel—because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth."

This text is often read simply, and without much knowledge or context. We might simply thing: God didn’t want people to work together to build crazy stuff, so he confused their ability to communicate. But something much deeper is happening.

I’m going to read you some sections of a long twitter thread from scholar and public theologian Rabbi Dr. Ari Lamm, He says, “Babel seems wonderful on the surface—a society in which everyone comes together to build something. But beneath the surface, it's a dystopia. It's Egypt... It's Canaan. Why is it so bad? Well, because what Genesis is narrating for us is...the birth of empire. Babel's not a free society in which people come together to build a tower. It's an empire—the first of its kind. Babel's reluctance to disperse was a sin in itself.... God saw dispersal throughout the earth—diversity, particularity—as a blessing. Babel feared it.”

Dr Lamm helps us understand that Babel tells the familiar story of the temptation to empire, to power... to building walls and separating into us & them. Hold this in mind as you listen to the scripture read again.

"1 Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. 2 As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there.
3 They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”
5 But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. 6 The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.”
8 So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 That is why it was called Babel—because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth."


Now listen to Acts 2, in light of what you’ve learned. Do you notice now the reversal? From inward, to outward? From hording power and empire building to the dispersal of power and mission?

2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

As we reflect on Pentecost this week, consider the nature of God’s power and presence: it is expansive, it goes outward, it is on mission. It is not defined by walls and boundaries, but rather by a miracle that brings together all the nations. Take time as we end to consider places in your life, or your life of faith, where you have built walls or become inward. Can you say a new yes, this week, to the mission of God through the power of His spirit?

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 MAY 29 The first day after PENTECOST Sunday.

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.”

This week, our reflections will center on Pentecost, and will consider how God’s love for the all the nations is demonstrated throughout scripture. Pentecost is a word that simply means ‘50’, and is celebrated on the 50th day after Easter.

Today’s reading is from Acts, chapter 2

"2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

Pentecost is often referred to as the reversal of the curse of Babel. We’ll reflect on the Babel text tomorrow, but if you don’t recall, Babel is the story of the scattering of God’s people when God divided languages among them, so that they could no longer communicate with one another. That was a moment of separation and judgement. Now, in Acts 2, we read that all the nations were brought together, able to understand and communicate through a miraculous gift from God. This is a moment of unity and blessing.... a moment of blessing for all nations. GK Chesteron wrote in his book Orthodoxy that Christianity is centrifugal – it breaks out. Scholars say that Pentecost broke out and enabled the rapid spread of Christianity. Within a few decades important congregations had been established in all major cities of the Roman Empire. Consider how this moment in church history speaks to God’s heart for all the nations.

Set yourself into this story. You are with the disciples waiting, praying, and uncertain of the future. You hear and feel a violent wind, and see tongues of fire. You begin to feel an interior urgency to share your gospel witness. Where moments ago, you felt unsure and unsteady, you now feel full of faith and confidence. Listen again, and imagine what it felt like to feel both empowered and sent.

"2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”


The Holy Spirit came into the world on a mission – to empower the spread of the Gospel to the nations, and to empower the life of the Gospel to bear fruit in the nations. There are many Christians who, right now, are living in a nation that is not their own... serving a people that is not their own... out of a Gospel love for the nations. as we come to a close, pray for those working among the nations now. Pray that the power of Pentecost to fill them, protect them, and urge them onward in their work of mercy, justice, care, and evangelism.

Music Credit:
Fall Afresh - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane (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 MAY 26

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 Romans, chapter 8

"14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

Our prayers this week have all considered the astonishing and overwhelming nature of the love of God. That His love compelled Him to draw near, to rescue, and to redeem. Today, the passage makes that love personal. Abba... the Hebrew word for Father that has the intimate feel of ‘Daddy’. The passage calls us children and heirs. Not outsiders, not onlookers. But family. Do you feel that spiritually connected to God right now?

Most of us don’t get to feel childlike very often. There is too much adulting to do. Too many responsibilities. Too much overwhelm. As you listen again, can you get in touch with any interior desire you might have to be childlike? To not be burdened by so much need, and so much responsibility?

"14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

When my daughter was very young, she started her prayers with the phrase: Please Jesus... and then she’d just say all the things on her mind: Please Jesus... grandmom and papa. Please Jesus... my friends. Please Jesus... all those we love. As we end our time of prayer, can you come to God with a childlike, Please Jesus sort of prayer? What do you need? What do you want? What do you hope for? Pray with your mind turned the love of God for 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

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Today is MAY 25

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 Exodus 19

"1 On the first day of the third month after the Israelites left Egypt—on that very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai. 2 After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain.
3 Then Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you[a]will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
7 So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the LORD had commanded him to speak. 8 The people all responded together, “We will do everything the LORD has said.” So Moses brought their answer back to the LORD.
9 The LORD said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you.” Then Moses told the LORD what the people had said."

Here are God’s people, after their deliverance from Egypt, camping at Mt Sinai where God will reveal His presence to them. They have been rescued, and they will need rescuing again. God says: I carried you on eagles' wings and I brought you to myself. He rescued them. And He drew them near. This week, we have spent a bit of time praying about God’s nearness to us. Can you think for a moment: when was the last time you felt the nearness of God?

The New Testament writer James tells us that when we draw near to God, God will draw near to us. As you listen to this text again, listen for all the ways God is drawing near to His people:

"1 On the first day of the third month after the Israelites left Egypt—on that very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai. 2 After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain.
3 Then Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you[a]will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
7 So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the LORD had commanded him to speak. 8 The people all responded together, “We will do everything the LORD has said.” So Moses brought their answer back to the LORD.
9 The LORD said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you.” Then Moses told the LORD what the people had said."


The Psalmist writes: as for me, the nearness of God is my only good. God draws near in the garden and He draws near in the desert. Can you get mindful of how near – or far – God feels to you right now? Do you sense His closeness as your rescuer? Or not? End this time of prayer talking to God about how you feel.

Music Credit:
"You're Always With Us"- 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 MAY 24

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 Gospel of John, chapter 3

"16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God."

John writes that it is God’s love that compelled the incarnation of Christ – the coming of the light of Christ into the world. But John also writes that while light came into the world... people loved darkness all the more, because people can hide in darkness. What do you think about that? Are there dark things that you are tempted to hide from God... that keep you from entering into His love for you?

This business of darkness and light, and our proclivity to stay in the dark, seems to have a lot to do with fear. When we’re afraid, we hide. Do you remember how in our creation story, Adam and Eve hid from God because they were filled with fear and shame? As you listen to the scripture again, wonder about your own proclivity to hide when you are afraid, or ashamed.

"16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God."

God came into the world as Christ, motivated by His Holy Love... to rescue the world. Perhaps today, you feel the need to be rescued from something. Perhaps today, you’ve forgotten the love of God. As we end our time of prayer, take a moment to prayerfully imagine Christ present with you. Imagine the sound of His voice, speaking words of love over you. Cast all your cares onto Him, for He cares for you.

Music Credit:
"You Meet Me Here" - 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 MAY 23

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 99

"1 The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. 2 Great is the LORD in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations. 3 Let them praise your great and awesome name— he is holy.
4 The King is mighty, he loves justice— you have established equity; in Jacob you have done what is just and right. 5 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy.
6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel was among those who called on his name; they called on the LORD AND HE ANSWERED THEM. 7 He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them.
8 LORD our God, you answered them; you were to Israel a forgiving God, though you punished their misdeeds. 9 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy.
For the Lord our God is holy."

This Psalm centers around the holiness of God. Holiness is a characteristic that only comes from God. We tend to think of holiness in terms of morality. But it really means something much more. It means otherness. Or distinctiveness. Or separateness. It is a word that points to the absolute separateness of God from anything that is not-God. Our culture doesn't give much room for that which is holy, and even Christian culture often focuses
on the closeness of God through Christ, rather than His holiness. How does the language of holiness make you feel?

As you listen to the scripture again, consider this: what would it take to compel our totally holy, totally separate, totally exalted God – a Heavenly King – what would it take for that perfect God to descend to the mud and mess of this world.... to put on fleshly limitations... and to take on the nature of a servant?

"1 The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. 2 Great is the LORD in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations. 3 Let them praise your great and awesome name— he is holy.
4 The King is mighty, he loves justice— you have established equity; in Jacob you have done what is just and right. 5 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy.
6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel was among those who called on his name; they called on the LORD AND HE ANSWERED THEM. 7 He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them.
8 LORD our God, you answered them; you were to Israel a forgiving God, though you punished their misdeeds. 9 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy.
For the Lord our God is holy."


Scripture tells us that while we were still sinners, God came near to make a way for us to stay in proximity to Him. This Holy God - found a way to come close. As we end our time of prayer, reflect on God’s love for you, and try to become aware of His nearness to you right now.

Music Credit:
"Thin 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