Covenant Grove Daily Devotionals

We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near. People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds. God says, At the time I have planned, I will bring justice against the wicked. When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil, I am the one who keeps its foundations firm. Interlude I warned the proud, Stop your boasting! I told the wicked, Dont raise your fists! Dont raise your fists in defiance at the heavens or speak with such arrogance. For no one on earthfrom east or west, or even from the wilderness should raise a defiant fist. It is God alone who judges; he decides who will rise and who will fall. For the Lord holds a cup in his hand that is full of foaming wine mixed with spices. He pours out the wine in judgment, and all the wicked must drink it, draining it to the dregs. But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. For God says, I will break the strength of the wicked, but I will increase the power of the godly.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭75‬:‭1‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The Lord is the great Judge of all the earth. This psalm opens with praise: God is good and all He does is wonderful. Yes, there is evil in the world, done by wicked people (v.2), but the Creator is still in control. Asaph, the author, has tried to warn people to turn back to the Lord: dont defy or rebel against Him, but turn to Him and find life (vv.4-8). The psalm ends with a commitment always to declare the praises of the Lord (v.9; cf. Job 1:21). What a commitment!

Human evil causes us to question Gods goodness. We wonder why the Lord has not stepped in, and some people have even walked away from the heavenly Father because of the selfish choices of others. The Lord does not stop all human choices, but He does judge them all in His time. There are consequencesnow and in eternityfor doing wrong. The Lord invites us to come to Him, confess our own sin, and experience His forgiveness. It is then that we discover our own contribution to the evil in the world. With His strength in us, we can do His will (not our own) every day.

Do you ask God more why there is evil in the world or evil in yourself? What difference does it make to praise the Lordeven in the darkest times of life?

O God, why have you rejected us so long? Why is your anger so intense against the sheep of your own pasture? Remember that we are the people you chose long ago, the tribe you redeemed as your own special possession! And remember Jerusalem, your home here on earth. Walk through the awful ruins of the city; see how the enemy has destroyed your sanctuary. There your enemies shouted their victorious battle cries; there they set up their battle standards. They swung their axes like woodcutters in a forest. With axes and picks, they smashed the carved paneling. They burned your sanctuary to the ground. They defiled the place that bears your name. Then they thought, Lets destroy everything! So they burned down all the places where God was worshiped. We no longer see your miraculous signs. All the prophets are gone, and no one can tell us when it will end. How long, O God, will you allow our enemies to insult you? Will you let them dishonor your name forever? Why do you hold back your strong right hand? Unleash your powerful fist and destroy them. You, O God, are my king from ages past, bringing salvation to the earth. You split the sea by your strength and smashed the heads of the sea monsters. You crushed the heads of Leviathan and let the desert animals eat him. You caused the springs and streams to gush forth, and you dried up rivers that never run dry. Both day and night belong to you; you made the starlight and the sun. You set the boundaries of the earth, and you made both summer and winter. See how these enemies insult you, Lord. A foolish nation has dishonored your name. Dont let these wild beasts destroy your turtledoves. Dont forget your suffering people forever. Remember your covenant promises, for the land is full of darkness and violence! Dont let the downtrodden be humiliated again. Instead, let the poor and needy praise your name. Arise, O God, and defend your cause. Remember how these fools insult you all day long. Dont overlook what your enemies have said or their growing uproar.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭74‬:‭1‬-‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Gods past promises can give you strength in your current struggles. The author was a worship leader, and his heart broke when he saw Gods enemies burn the Lords sanctuary and all the places His name was worshiped. Had the King forgotten His people or His promises? Yet the author would not renounce his faithhe boldly declared the power, authority, and goodness of God (vv.12-17). The prayer was for the Lord to rise up and protect His people (vv.18-23). We know from history this is what God did!

When you are going through struggles, it is helpful to look back andremember the faithfulness of Jesus. He died for you, rose again to set youfree, and lives in you. Your life life tells countless stories of His goodness, yet it is easy to forget these stories when you are hurting. It may be helpful to write down these stories. This could be in a journal, on your computer, or in your phone. You could even write in the dates for these blessing stories as a way of seeing what the Lord was doing in your life at different times. Hard times will come; life promises this to us. Yet Gods promises will see us through every storm. He will never turn away from you.

Will the hard times cause you to turn away from Him? What are your past stories of Gods faithfulness?

Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure. But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They dont have troubles like other people; theyre not plagued with problems like everyone else. They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty. These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for! They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others. They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth. And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words. What does God know? they ask. Does the Most High even know whats happening? Look at these wicked people enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain. If I had really spoken this way to others, I would have been a traitor to your people. So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is! Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors. When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning. Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you. But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.‭‭Psalms‬ ‭73‬:‭1‬-‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The psalms are unafraid to explore and express the highs and lows of human life. The psalms are divided into five books. Book Three covers Psalms 73-89 and is full of psalms that talk about the dark moments of lifelament, loss, betrayal, and injustice. Yet these psalms also declare the sovereignty of God though the world rebels and declines into selfishness, the Lord is still good, still working, and still present with His people.

This psalm wrestles with questions we have all asked: Why do the wicked seem to prosper (vv.4-12)? Is it worth it to follow God and try to live a good life (vv.13-14)? The author (Asaph) looked in his heart and found pain and bitterness (v.21), and that hurt almost caused him to turn away from the Lord (v.15). He found comfort in three things: first, he went to the sanctuary of God; second, he understood the final destiny of the wicked; third, he realized the presence of the Lord, guiding his life. Though it is hard to followGod, there is no better place to be.

Have you ever asked the questions of this psalm? What were your answers? Why do you follow the Lord, even when it is hard?

So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it. And I wont mention that you owe me your very soul! Yes, my brother, please do me this favor for the Lords sake. Give me this encouragement in Christ. I am confident as I write this letter that you will do what I ask and even more! One more thingplease prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that God will answer your prayers and let me return to you soon. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. So do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.‭‭Philemon‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬-‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The eternal law of God transcends cultural laws or human opinions. In Christ we are a new creation, and every human relationship we have starts with this new creation. There is no slavery in the new creation, and humans are not exploited or used. In this letter we can see how Paul practically worked out the eternal law of new creation while still living in the cultural (and often brutal) world of Roman law.Onesimus was a runaway slave. Paul did not force Philemon to end his slave ownership; Paul subverted the very institution of slavery by calling Onesimus a beloved and useful brother. Paul appealed to the debt that Philemon owed him as an apostle, and asked Philemon to act out of love. Paul didn't force Philemon or break any Roman laws, but he appealed to Philemon to live out the new creationwhere there is neither slave nor free, only God's children loving each other, serving each other, and choosing to follow Him.

We are called to live out the new creation in our day. Our world still has slavery, human trafficking, and commercial exploitation. We can't force people or use tactics of shame because that is not the way of new creation. We teach and live out the law of love that transcends our culture. The way of Christ, when lived out by humans, is stronger than the powerful people that see their fellow humans only as a means of furthering their own power.What are the parts of our culture that the Lord is trying to transform? If you cant use force or shame, how can you be part of the change?

That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do. But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you. Consider this as a request from mePaul, an old man and now also a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus. I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. Onesimus hasnt been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart. I wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf. But I didnt want to do anything without your consent. I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced. It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever. He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.‭‭Philemon‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬-‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

How should Christian leaders motivate people to action? How should Christians follow their leaders?

Paul was writing to Philemon, a Christian brother from Colossae that Paul knew. While in prison in Rome, Paul also got to know a runaway slave named Onesimus, who became a Christian and was very useful to Paul. Onesimus was Philemons slave. Paul wrote this short letter to ask a bold favor: he wanted Philemon to treat Onesimus with kindness (and probably to release him). Philemon had the legal right to punish Onesimus, but Paul asked him as a Christian brother to do the right thing. Since we have this letter, we can safely assume that Philemon kept this letter and did what Paul asked.

Christian leaders lead best when they appeal to what is right and dont resort to demanding. Paul could have demanded his request to Philemon (who in a sense owed him, v.19), but he asked it as a favor, appealing to Philemon to do the right thing. The goal is not to appeal to a personality but call people to follow Christ and do what is right, even if it is counter cultural. We all need good leaders to spur us on. We are called to follow godly leaders as a way of ultimately following Christ. We never surrender our thinking but use wisdom to discern the will of God. We then follow Christ no matter what.Who are godly leaders that you allow to speak into your life? If you are a leader, how can you make sure that you don't make demands on people, but appeal to what is righ?

This letter is from Paul, a prisoner for preaching the Good News about Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy. I am writing to Philemon, our beloved co-worker, and to our sister Apphia, and to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church that meets in your house. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon, because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of Gods people. And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of Gods people.‭‭Philemon‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

If faith is genuine, it permeates every part of our lives. The letter of Philemon is different than any other letter we have from Paul. It is a personal letter, not a letter addressed to a church. Paul knew Philemon personally, and he was thankful to God for his love and generosity. Paul even asked Philemon to prepare a guest room for him (v.22), hoping he would soon visit Colossae where Philemon lived. Although they were friends, Paul was willing to ask a bold favor for the sake of the gospel. He was asking Philemon to forgive Onesimus, his runaway slave who had come to Rome, found Paul in prison, and given his life for the work of the gospel. Paul wanted Philemon to live out the freedom of the gospel, set Onesimus free, and allow him to support Paul in Rome. Paul lived out the fullness and freedom of the gospel in every part of his life.

We are called to do the same. Relationships cant blind us to injustice. Comfort cant close our eyes to the problems of the world. It is too easy for us to know about Jesus but never really follow Him with our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. God doesnt just want to save our minds; He wants to save our souls. This means our willour desires and decisions. This is the last area to be surrendered in any human heart; we would rather give God Sunday mornings, Bible studies, finances, or even our emotionsrather than surrender our will to His way of freedom.What can help you live out what you believe? What parts of your life is Jesus asking you to surrender to Him

Tychicus will give you a full report about how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper who serves with me in the Lords work. I have sent him to you for this very purposeto let you know how we are doing and to encourage you. I am also sending Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, one of your own people. He and Tychicus will tell you everything thats happening here. Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you his greetings, and so does Mark, Barnabass cousin. As you were instructed before, make Mark welcome if he comes your way. Jesus (the one we call Justus) also sends his greetings. These are the only Jewish believers among my co-workers; they are working with me here for the Kingdom of God. And what a comfort they have been! Epaphras, a member of your own fellowship and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident that you are following the whole will of God. I can assure you that he prays hard for you and also for the believers in Laodicea and Hierapolis. Luke, the beloved doctor, sends his greetings, and so does Demas. Please give my greetings to our brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house. After you have read this letter, pass it on to the church at Laodicea so they can read it, too. And you should read the letter I wrote to them. And say to Archippus, Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you. Here is my greeting in my own handwritingPaul. Remember my chains. May Gods grace be with you.‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬

We are not called to walk alone. As we do the Lord's work, we grow an incredible bond with our partners in ministry. Paul had so many people that he was connected with, amazing co-workers who encouraged and supported him. They also did amazing ministry on their own. There was a church planting movement in the area of Colossae: this church had been planted from Ephesus and partnered together to plant at least two other churches (Laodicea and Hieropolis). They were all connected to each other, and this connection made their ministry stronger.

For many people, their deepest hurts in life have been from a pastor or a co-worker in ministry. A deep bond is formed, and when hurt happens, it cuts deeply. Many get so hurt that they never serve again. When we are hurt, we must find a way to be healed by Christ, connect with others, and serve again. We are not meant to walk or serve alone.

What are you doing to form deep bonds with other Christians? How is your life making a difference in the church and for Gods mission?

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We are called to share Gods hope. These verses give us some practical ways to witness: pray, live wisely, and have grace-filled conversations. We need to consistently pray for opportunities to share God's hope. Most of our prayers are just about our needs or the needs of others. God is also asking us to pray for opportunities to share His hope. And we need to be thankful! Are you making the most of the opportunities God is giving you to share His love and truth?

Our lives need to show that we are followers of Christ. We dont have to be perfect, but we do need to keep our focus on Christ and authentically live out what we believe. We also need to be ready for God to answer our prayersHe will give us opportunities to listen to the struggles of others, pray for them, and share the hope of Christ. Listening is so powerful, and people are longing for others to listen to them.Will you give God 15 minutes a day to let yourself be interrupted with those who need God's hope and love?

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged. Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites.‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬-‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Masters, be just and fair to your slaves. Remember that you also have a Masterin heaven.‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

All our relationships are transformed when we love Jesus. Marriages change because Jesus is in the center. We submit to each other because Jesus served us and submitted His will to the will of the Father. We love sacrificially because that is the love of Christ. Child and parent relationships change because of Jesusthere is obedience and understanding, even when it is hard. How we work and lead also changes because we love our crucified and risen Lord; we work hard because we follow Him.

These verses were written into a particular culture, but they have timeless principles. Christianity does not export a superior culture; it values cultures as good expressions of the humanity God created. The universal truths of Christ will look culturally different in different times and cultures. Paul was speaking to three cultures at once: Jewish, Greek, and Roman. In Pauls day, society was very tiered: men were the highest, with women, children, and slaves all on a lower level. He showed how Christianity made sense and is good in any culture. But he also showed how the gospel transcends and subverts cultures: he never condoned slavery, and he pointed to the fact that there is a Master in heaven (who has set the captives free through His sacrifice). He also subverts the thinking in his day about wives and children being lowerall relationships are viewed in light of Christ, who loves us all and taught us to call each other brothers and sisters with one Father.Living out these verses is the hard part. The gospel is still transcending and subverting our cultural understanding of relationships. In our culture the biggest relationship we misunderstand is the relationship with ourselves. Can wein a culture that tell us to do whatever we wantlive like we have a Master? Can we submitin a world that says the most important desires are our own? Can we love like Jesus?

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each others faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Clothes are part of how we interact with the world: our clothes are part of our appearance, and clothes can change how we feel (think of dressing up). These verses talk about being clothed in the apparel of heaven. Bible scholars think that early Christians, when they were baptized, took off old clothing, entered the water, then were dressed in new clothing (probably a white robe). This was symbolic of leaving the old life, attitude, and actions behind, while putting on the new life of Christ. We can clothe ourselves with gentleness, mercy, kindness, humility, and patience. Jesus freely offers us all of this clothing. What virtues do you need to add to your wardrobe?We are forgiven by God, and His forgiveness changes everything. We can forgive others and be patient with each other's faults. It is sometimes hard to accept that God has fully forgiven us, hard sometimes to let go of guilt and shame. It is even harder to live out forgiveness, being patient with the faults of others and forgiving them in love. God wants us to have peace, even if it sometimes takes hard work. Avoiding the issues won't solve them. Lay down your guilt and grudges and live a life of forgiveness.What grudges do you need to release and forgive?