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A time to BE STILL with God. A daily scripture reading and meditative devotional from Mondays to Fridays and a time of reflection on Saturdays through the practice of a...
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A time to BE STILL with God. A daily scripture reading and meditative devotional from Mondays to Fridays and a time of reflection on Saturdays through the practice of a weekly Examen.
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Be Still: Daily Devotional
Be Still: Daily Devotional
July 22nd, 2024
22 JUL 2024 · Today is July 22.
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 Hebrews, chapter 13.
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
Well, this might feel like a tricky one for way too many people: have confidence in your leaders. Some of you might find that simple, but others have been hurt by bad leadership. Can you orient yourself to your own reaction to the word ‘leader’? Do have you a good example of a leader in your life you can thank God for?
This text teaches us something incredibly important about a Christian definition of leader. A leader is someone who ‘keeps watch over you AS someone who must give an account’. In other words: leaders care. They protect. They nourish. And they lead. And how do they do those things? As folks who will have to open their books – to be accountable – for everything they do. Listen again to the text and consider any area of leadership you have in the faith community…
Leadership, for me, is a joy. It is a joy to care, to protect, to nourish, and to lead. And it is also weighty. Leadership means I am accountable, and not just to anyone. I am accountable to God. I reflect on that often: those I care for belong to God. They are His flock. The sheep of His pasture. My work is to tend well to those He loves. Including myself! As we end our time of prayer today, think of some leaders in your faith community who model attentive, accountable, and joy-filled leadership… and pray for them. Perhaps you might even send someone a note of encouragement.
Music: We Say Yes - Vineyard Worship - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_Q3McCBDg4
Examen - July 20th, 2024
20 JUL 2024 · 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.
July 19th, 2024
19 JUL 2024 · Today is July 19.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”
Today’s reading is from the book of 2nd Corinthians, chapter 1.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
How are you feeling today? Is there anything happening around you which is causing YOU to feel a need to be comforted? Where is it that you need the compassion of God?
The Greek work for comfort in this passage refers to a “holy urging” and is used of the Lord directly motivating and inspiring believers to carry out His plan. It means not only to comfort, but to encourage, to console. You might imagine a husband helping his wife through labor and delivery, quietly and compassionately whispering words of courage and guidance to the mother-to-be. Listen to the passage again, and consider what it means that we can receive God’s comfort in this way…
Most of us live or worship among people who are bruised and aching. There is a weariness in our culture. There’s a growing sense of isolation and disconnection. How might you enter into your day as a comfort-bringer? Can you ask God to give you His eyes through which to see the world around you? Can you ask God to draw your attention to someone, and to give you a prophetic word of encouragement to pass along?
Music: Fix Our Eyes - Vineyard Worship:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45LaxLoP0eI
July 18th, 2024
18 JUL 2024 · Today is July 18.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”
Today’s reading is from the book of Ezra, chapter 6.
In the first year of King Cyrus, the king issued a decree concerning the temple of God in Jerusalem: Let the temple be rebuilt as a place to present sacrifices, and let its foundations be laid. Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its site. Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do for these elders of the Jews in the construction of this house of God: Their expenses are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury, from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates, so that the work will not stop. Whatever is needed—young bulls, rams, male lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, and wheat, salt, wine and olive oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem—must be given them daily without fail, 10 so that they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the God of heaven and pray for the well-being of the king and his sons.
Can you imagine what it would be like to follow a religion that demanded burnt animal sacrifices on a daily basis? For most of us, it’s is a very strange thing to think about. How do you feel about that?
Consider that today, you’re coming to prayer not in a temple, and not with any sort of sacrifice. You’re coming as you are, covered by God’s grace, following in the way of Christ who was the last sacrifice needed, and who gave Himself up for us. Listen to the text again and think about how different your experience with God is, from the one we’re reading.
In the Old Testament, God tells His people that the kind of sacrifice he desires are those that bear the fruit of justice, humility, and mercy. Are there ways that you can, today, made sacrificial decisions in your own life that bear such fruit? Talk to God about this as we end.
Music: I Am Yours - Vineyard Worship - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsfF-1YnAx0
July 17th, 2024
17 JUL 2024 · Today is July 17.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”
Today’s reading is from the book of Titus, chapter 3.
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
This passage juxtaposes what it refers to as ‘at one time’—foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved …. With ‘when the kindness and love of God our savior appeared…’ –washing, rebirth, renewal. There’s a looking back to a past without God, followed by an awareness of a radical change. Think about the phrase ‘at one time,’ and think about your past. What was your life like apart from Christ? What words would you use to describe that experience?
As you hear the reading again, notice the incredible change that happens between what was an what is. Listen for what you are grateful for today because of Christ’s presence in your life.
Are there any areas of your life where you still feel foolish, disobedient, or enslaved? As you come to prayer today, are you aware of places in your heart or behavior where you again need the interruption of God’s mercy and grace? Talk to God about those places as we end our time of prayer.
Music: Saved - Vineyard Worship: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81G4IGNY3w4
July 16th, 2024
16 JUL 2024 · Today is July 16.
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 142.
I cry aloud to the LORD;
I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy.
I pour out before him my complaint;
before him I tell my trouble.
When my spirit grows faint within me,
it is you who watch over my way.
In the path where I walk
people have hidden a snare for me.
Look and see, there is no one at my right hand;
no one is concerned for me.
I have no refuge;
no one cares for my life.
I cry to you, LORD;
I say, “You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living.”
Listen to my cry,
for I am in desperate need;
rescue me from those who pursue me,
for they are too strong for me.
Set me free from my prison,
that I may praise your name.
Then the righteous will gather about me
because of your goodness to me.
I love the psalmists poetry. These words speak to my heart today as I read them: when my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. Would you take some quiet time now to reflect on the state of YOUR spirit? How are you feeling? As my daughter used to ask a friend of hers when they were little: how’s your soul?
Listen again to these words and pay attention to one or two that stand out to you. You might consider writing a few things down and carrying them around today.
… because of your goodness to me. The nearness of God is my only good. His goodness and mercy are never ending. He is not only holy, He is forgiving. He is not only just, He is kind. He is not only powerful, He is gentle. Please, Lord, make us more like you…
Music: My Soul Finds Rest - Vineyard Columbus - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1-SqGJWrZo
July 15th, 2024
15 JUL 2024 · Today is July 15.
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 Acts, chapter 21.
When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar. He at once took some officers and soldiers and ran down to the crowd. When the rioters saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. The commander came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done. Some in the crowd shouted one thing and some another, and since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks. When Paul reached the steps, the violence of the mob was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers. The crowd that followed kept shouting, “Get rid of him!”
The book of Acts tells us origin stories from the early church – and this one is daunting, unsettling. This is a theme that you see throughout the book of Acts. When the Gospel is preached, when God’s kingdom comes, it is received by many as God’s peaceable kingdom bringing about a new order. For others it is resisted with hostility and anger. Think about your own spiritual journey. When you first heard the message, how did you respond? With anger, hostility, resistance, or with open arms, and an experience of joy and peace?
In another place in the book of Acts, Paul was criticized as “turning the world upside down” with his message. I love that. The Gospel turns the world, and our lives upside down. As you hear the passage again, think of one person that you know who needs their world turned upside down by the Gospel, and pray that they may have an open heart toward God and the good news.
There was so much oppression, so much opposition, to the way of Christ. If you don’t experience that in your own life, consider that this is a normal experience for many followers of Christ around the world. Would you pray today for God’s grace over the gospel message in your life, in our city, and for those followers of Christ around the world who are persecuted for their faith? Pray for protection, for favor, for good soil, and for soft hearts as they share the upside down message of the gospel of Jesus.
Music: You Make All Things New - Vineyard Worship - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ssKE7KhiQs
Examen - July 13th, 2024
13 JUL 2024 · 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.
July 12th, 2024
12 JUL 2024 · Today is July 12.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”
Today’s reading is from 1st Samuel, chapter 3.
The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions. One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the LORD, where the ark of God was. Then the LORD called Samuel.
Samuel answered, “Here I am.” And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. Again the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
“My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. A third time the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
There are so many things to notice in this story. First, there were not many visions from the Lord. It was a desert time. Second, the boy Samuel heard the voice of God before, scripture says, Samuel even knew the Lord! Third, Eli discerned the Lord’s voice for Samuel, and taught Samuel how to respond. What else did you notice in the first reading of the story?
As you listen again, pay close attention, and ask God to focus you on one phrase.
The two phrases that stand out to me are ‘ Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see…’ and ‘Samuel did not yet know the Lord…’ I’m struck that in a passage about God revealing himself – during a time of ‘not many visions’ – God reveals himself to an old man with failing vision, and a young man who didn’t yet know the Lord. I love how God’s revelations often come like this – in places where He’s least expected, to people who are least prepared for it. End your time of prayer thinking about the phrases that stood out to you, and what God is speaking to you today.
Music: To Know You - Vineyard Worship: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Z72wXpNZOQ
July 11th, 2024
11 JUL 2024 · Today is July 11.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”
Today’s reading is from Psalm 26.
Vindicate me, LORD,
for I have led a blameless life;
I have trusted in the LORD
and have not faltered.
Test me, LORD, and try me,
examine my heart and my mind;
for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love
and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.
When I first hear this text, I’m astonished by the psalmists self-assuredness: “I have led a blameless life; I have not faltered…” I’m even more astonished when I recall the life of the psalmist, the shepherd king David… slayer of giants, man of courage, and also adulterer and betrayer. How do you hold all of that together? As you come to prayer today, do you yourself feel like a mix of self-assuredness alongside the reality of your own shortcomings?
As you listen to the psalm against, consider this: David was actually less self-assured than he was GOD-assured. He’s assured in God as vindicator, God as trustworthy, God as unfailing, and God as faithful. Try to listen with an emphasis on who GOD is, and not who David is.
To live in reliance on the faithfulness of God is to be very assured of two things: first, that you are in desperate need of God. Second, that God is unfailingly faithful. Which do you feel more aware of right now. As we come to the end of our prayer, bring that awareness to the Lord and invite Him to be present to you.
Music: Your Love Endures - Vineyard Worship: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8U0CD0-mXzI
A time to BE STILL with God. A daily scripture reading and meditative devotional from Mondays to Fridays and a time of reflection on Saturdays through the practice of a...
show more
A time to BE STILL with God. A daily scripture reading and meditative devotional from Mondays to Fridays and a time of reflection on Saturdays through the practice of a weekly Examen.
show less
Information
| Author | Vineyard Columbus |
| Organization | Vineyard Columbus |
| Categories | Christianity |
| Website | vineyardcolumbus.org |
| vineyard.web@vineyardcolumbus.org |
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