Today Daily Devotional

By faith Abraham, when called to go . . . obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.

— Hebrews 11:8

Abraham had lived in Ur, a big city in its day, and with his extended family he had moved to Harran (Genesis 11:31). (Ur was in modern-day Iraq, and Harran was in modern-day Turkey.) Abraham was prosperous, and even if he wasn’t looking for God to take over his life, God was looking for him with a special plan in mind. Because of this, Abraham’s life changed in a big way. (At that time his name was Abram, but God later changed his name to Abraham; see Genesis 17:5.)

In effect, God said, “Leave your country, your culture, your clan, and follow me.” That’s not easy to do when you are 75 years old and successful and settled, as Abraham was. And God didn’t give Abraham a map to follow. God simply said, “Go . . . to the land I will show you.”

When it comes to God’s calling in our life, we like to have both clarity and content. We want a detailed description of where to go and what to do when we get there. But God seldom works that way. God wants us to exercise faith, not simply our intellect. He wants us to learn to walk by faith in him, rather than simply by sight. Not every call of God involves relocation, but every call does involve leaving some of our past behind and venturing into the unknown with God as our guide.

Lord, teach us what it means to listen for your voice and to respond in faith. Remind us that the safest, most joyful place to be is with you. Amen.

Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

— Hebrews 11:1

Maybe you’ve played the “Trust-Fall” game. To engage in this game, you stand straight and fall backward into the arms of someone who is standing there, ready to catch you. If you have played this game, you know how hard it is to fall back without bending your waist. Entrusting yourself to a support you can’t see is never easy. It requires faith.

Before we join Abraham on his journey of faith, we need to understand what true faith is. Often we think of faith like a spare tire—something we might need in case of emergency to keep us moving on the road of life. As a result, we tend to replace faith with something that seems more tangible, more substantial.

Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Faith is a firm belief about something we cannot see or completely ­figure out. But faith is not blind, and it does not conflict with reason. It simply rises above ­reason and operates on a different level. It doesn’t say, “In human analysis I trust.” Rather, it says, “In God I trust.”

Like a rope that a mountain climber uses to rappel down a cliff, faith leans back and relies wholly on Jesus. It involves choosing to act in dependence on God. And when we do, God is pleased.

Lord, you know how hard it is for us to trust you with our lives. Help us in our times of unbelief. Bolster our sagging faith so that we may walk confidently with you. Amen.

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went. . . .

— Hebrews 11:8

Though some of us are more adventurous than others, we all long for at least some ­level of adventure in our lives. Spiritually speaking, adventure begins the moment we hear and heed the call of God in our lives.

This month, let’s travel alongside Abraham in his adventurous journey of faith. Abraham’s journey includes incredible challenges, painful setbacks, and thrilling victories—all in the context of being called to follow God and to believe in God’s promises.

Even though Abraham lived 4,000 years ago, he is still revered as a prophet of God by three major religions: Chris­tianity, Judaism, and Islam. He is considered the father of God’s Old Testament people, and his life made a huge impact on human history.

But what made Abraham great? Ultimately it was God who did that. God called Abraham, and Abraham believed in God, and God credited that to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3). Because of God, Abraham’s faith in God became the defining mark of his life.

This month, as we study the life of Abraham together, we too will be challenged to trust in God, take him at his word, and step out in faith. An exciting adventure awaits all who follow God’s call.

Lord and God, you have invited us into the great adventure of faith, assuring us of your presence always. Give us courage and confidence to follow as you lead the way. Amen.

The city does not need the sun or the moon . . . for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light. . . .

— Revelation 21:23-24

After returning home from my long hike on the Appalachian Trail, I still walk every day. Now my walks are on city sidewalks, where I frequently meet neighbors pushing strollers and walking dogs.

The final scenes in the Bible portray life in a city where God lives with us and provides all its light. This city also includes “the river of the water of life” and the tree of life for healing the nations.

Soon after God completed his masterpiece of creation, our human parents disobeyed and plunged this world into misery. From that tragic moment on, the Bible records the depressing consequences of sin. At the same time, thankfully, we see God’s salvation plan unfolding, despite the forces aligned against it.

Finally, in Revelation, we see life restored and made new in a city. But this is no ordinary city. The sun is not needed—God’s glory gives it light, and the nations walk by this light. Jesus has completely conquered sin. God’s children freely live and work and play here, flourishing in full life as God intends for us.

Without this city of light at the end of the tunnel of human history, we could easily be tempted to give up in despair. It takes faith to keep walking with hope toward what God has promised. Like the countless believers who have gone before us, we need to walk faithfully, trusting God as we serve him.

Lord Jesus, help us to trust you as we walk in and toward your light. Amen.

Follow God’s example, therefore . . . and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

— Ephesians 5:1-2

As I neared the end of my hike on the Appalachian Trail, I reflected on the hikers I’d met along the way. I didn’t catch many given names, but I could remember some hikers’ trail names: “K-Bar,” “Poppins,” Pioneer,” “Red Dawn,” “Rhino,” “Shorts,” “Motel,” “Tank,” “Rosie Eagle,” and “Two-Step,” to name a few.

These “trail aliases” don’t reveal much, but they may hint at traits or preferences. Most of my conversations with hikers centered on miles hiked, the next stream, weather, gear, or the trail itself. Some conversations took place for a few minutes while resting along the trail; others took place over a few evenings at the same campsite. Sadly, those fellow hikers and our conversations are now fast becoming wisps of fading memories.

How much meaning do we give to the brief moments when we meet with fellow travelers on life’s journey? God, who created every human person who has ever lived, knows each one intimately— and that makes every person we meet precious. Though it may not be possible to share the word of Christ with every person we meet, perhaps even our most fleeting encounters can be opportunities to share something of his love. To cultivate an attitude of love surely means keeping our eyes on Jesus and letting his love for us flow out to everyone.

Lord Jesus, as we walk with you each day, help us to share your love with the people that we meet. Amen.

I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers . . . in danger in the city, in danger in the country. . . . I have labored and have often gone without sleep . . . and . . . without food. . . .

— 2 Corinthians 11:26-27

After stopping for supplies in Front Royal, Virginia, along the Appalachian Trail, I enjoyed a delicious breakfast of buckwheat pancakes smothered in maple syrup. And sleeping in a bed the night before had felt luxurious after many nights of sleeping on the ground.

The apostle Paul had known many more hardships, however, in his travels to spread the good news of Jesus. Called to be a witness to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15-16), Paul traveled to countless destinations, often on foot. And not only were many of his journeys rough, but he also frequently suffered at the hands of hostile people. At times he was beaten, flogged, and even pelted with stones. He was shipwrecked three times, and he was thrown into prison. Several times he had to flee for his life. (For more about these struggles, see Acts 13-28 and 2 Corinthians 11-12.)

Of all of Jesus’ disciples and followers, Paul may have suffered the most on his many journeys. Yet he boasted in his weakness so that the power of Jesus could be revealed. Ultimately he boasted in Christ, who suffered so much more for him and for us. Our own hardships too reveal the weakness that brings us closer to Jesus, our Savior and our strength.

Lord, when we are weak, we are strong for you. Help us to let go of ourselves and to trust your working in us as we serve you and others. Amen.

“Everyone who believes in [Jesus] receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

— Acts 10:43

On my way to Big Meadows on the Appalachian Trail, I walked for some distance with Dave, an Australian “bloke.” We chatted and shared notes and complaints about the trail. Though it was pleasant to talk with a fellow hiker, it was challenging to keep an eye on the trail and to keep up with Dave.

Acts 10 tells us the apostle Peter walked more than a day’s journey conversing with some Gentiles. As a devout Jew who would have shunned contact with non-Jews, this was a new experience for Peter. But God had explained to him in a vivid dream that he wanted people of all nations to be saved and to worship him. So when Peter learned that a Roman centurion, who worshiped God, needed to hear the good news about Jesus, Peter went with some Roman soldiers to Joppa to meet their commanding ­officer. That day Peter shared the good news of Jesus and baptized the centurion and many others there who believed and were welcomed into the family of God.

Thank God that Jesus has destroyed the walls separating us from people of other nations and cultural backgrounds. All who believe “are one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:29). Still, we often tend to rebuild walls that keep us apart. Like Jesus’ apostles, we need to learn to embrace others who are different from us—and when we do, we experience the breadth of God’s love.

Lord Jesus, you came so that we can walk together with all of your followers and share your good news of peace and hope. Amen.

The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about . . . ?”

— Acts 8:34

At Cove Mountain on the Appalachian Trail I had shelter from an all-night rain. The next morning I was back on the trail. No one needed to tell me where to go. I headed north, as I did every other day of my three-week trek.

Philip, however, whom the Spirit called in our story today, had instructions on where to go. An angel of the Lord told Philip to go south to the desert road leading from Jerusalem to Gaza. There Philip met an Ethiopian official who was returning home from Jerusalem. The Spirit then led Philip to stay near the man and to help him understand a passage he was reading from Isaiah. Philip explained that the passage was about Jesus, the Son of God, who came to die for our sin, and then Philip baptized the Ethiopian, just as the man asked him to do.

Through his Spirit and the Word, the Lord still commands us everyday. God calls us to walk in his ways, loving the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving our neighbors as ourselves.

Does God speak to us in other ways, such as the way he spoke to Philip? God certainly can speak to us in dramatic ways, but more often the Spirit of God speaks to us in quiet, subtle ways through his Word and with the help of other believers (like Philip). We should always be following God’s Word and listening for his voice, especially as he nudges us to share the love of Jesus.

Lord Jesus, help us to listen for your voice and to share your love with the people we meet every day. Amen.

“In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

— Acts 3:6

I had to watch my steps while hiking through a stretch called Raven Rocks on the Appalachian Trail in West Virginia. Giant boulders line the trail there, and sharp rocks litter the path. I gingerly danced through them, knowing that an injured ankle could end my walking for a while.

Soon after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost (Acts 2), Peter and John met a man who had never been able to walk. He saw them entering the temple one day and asked them for money. Peter said he had no money but would gladly give what he did have: “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,” Peter said, “walk.” Peter took the man’s hand, and the man’s feet and ankles instantly became strong. So he began “walking and jumping, and praising God.”

Stories like this one from the early church demonstrate the healing power of Jesus as his disciples spread the good news of salvation in Christ. Many of these stories include physical healing, and sometimes even the dead are raised to life.

Today we still see Jesus’ healing power at work, but not always so dramatically. Yet even if our bodies are not healed now, our spirits are made whole with God’s peace and hope. And the good news about Jesus empowers us to praise God as we wait for the day of his coming again.

Lord Jesus, give us the heart and zeal to share what we have as we spread your good news everywhere. Amen.

“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

— Acts 1:8

Climbing “The Priest” on the Appalachian Trail was quite a challenge. Though it’s not the tallest mountain I have climbed, I struggled to the top. Sections of the trail were barely visible, forcing me to scramble over rocks in some places. The splendid views from the summit, though, were worth the effort.

The last scene of Jesus’ earthly ministry took place on a hill called the Mount of Olives. Jesus went there often with his disciples. After much walking over three years, they had reached a turning point in their journey together. There Jesus gave his disciples a startling command—to spread the word about him from Jerusalem to the surrounding areas of Judea and Samaria, and “to the ends of the earth.”

Jesus’ disciples were completely unprepared and unequipped to accomplish this task. But he also gave them a promise. After he ascended to heaven, he would continue to be present with them through the Holy Spirit. With and through the Holy Spirit, the disciples were to begin sharing the good news about Jesus to all nations.

The book of Acts and the rest of the New Testament show that Jesus’ disciples did that. And where they left off, new disciples took over, all the way down through generations of Christ-followers to us. Thankfully, we have the promised Holy Spirit to lead the way for us as well.

Lord Jesus, fill us with your Spirit to share your good news and love to the ends of the earth. In your name, Amen.