Welcome, Y-WORD and New-Life News readers!

For those who formerly received these weekly devotionals from my YMCA address, welcome to the blog site. Please check back each Monday for an updated message. Blessings to you in Christ -- Phil 

MAY THE WORD DWELL RICHLY IN US 

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1)

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16)

"Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." (Romans 10:17)

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

"For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God." (1 Peter 1:23)

Heavenly Father, as we begin this week, we thank you for the Word of Christ. In these challenging days, draw us closer to You, we pray, as we soak our minds and hearts in your living, active, holy Word. Instruct us, inform us, correct us, and guide us into a deeper, more trusting faith in You. For your sake and glory, Amen.

Life On Demand

We live in an on-demand world. Instant access has become standard. You want more channels? Upgrade to Comcast On Demand. Need breaking news? Check the local station’s web site for “updates on demand.” A local law firm advertises: “Justice is your right, and we demand it.”

“But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed.” (Luke 23:23)

Our culture’s credo tends to be: Get it, get it exactly the way you want it, and get it now. In contrast, the Scriptures teach us not to demand, either of God or of others, but to employ a deferential approach:

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Luke 11:9-10)

A wise friend once reminded me, “There is more power in the open hand than in the clenched fist. Do all in love and kindness.” We are wisest when we remain open and willing to serve, seeking to bring an in-kindness spirit to an on-demand world.

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (1 Peter 3:15-16)

Father, thank you for the truth of your Word. Help us, we pray, to ask more and to demand less; to wait patiently more and to complain less; to exude kindness more and to be less abrasive with others. In the mighty name of Christ, and for His sake, Amen.

Joy In the Midst of Unease

“But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” (King David, in Psalm 5:11)

“If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (Jesus, in John 15:10-11)

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Paul, in Romans 12:12)

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” (James 1:2-3)

Much like peace, it seems that deep and abiding joy is something of a scarce commodity at the moment. A sense of unease has gripped many in the land as we confront economic turbulence. We see traces of fear and fatigue on the faces of our neighbors and colleagues—and in our mirrors. While acknowledging the very real concerns that this season has brought and may bring, we would be wise to resist the temptation toward discontentment and instead to focus on the joy that is promised to all who place their trust in the Lord. His timeless goodness, His provision, His faithfulness are able to sustain us through even the wildest market fluctuation or global economic challenge.

Great and gracious God, your joy is our strength. Thank you for your promise of joy, a deep contentment that results from trusting in your goodness. Lord, thank you that regardless of external circumstances, all can be well with our souls as we rest in you. Fill us anew, we pray, with joy. Amen.

Perfect Peace for Uncertain Times

“While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ ” (Luke 24:36)

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (Jesus, in John 14:27)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (Jesus, in John 16:33)

The word peace occurs 247 times in the Bible. My favorite verses on the subject are the ones quoted above, when Jesus speaks to his disciples after His death, burial and resurrection. The men and women to whom he appears are in a panic: shocked, confused, despondent. Sudden circumstances have rendered them afraid and uncertain. Sound familiar? No, the markets had not fallen 25% that week. Home values had not eroded. But far worse, their beloved teacher and Lord had been tortured, executed and buried. The One in whom they had placed their trust was gone, or so it seemed. Into their fear and doubt, Jesus arrives with four power-packed words: “Peace be with you.” He knows exactly what they need, and He delivers it. He is the same peace-giving Messiah today. He remains loving and faithful to bring us peace in the midst of the current uncertainty, if only we will resist the temptation to panic, and place our trust in His care for us.

Heavenly Father, God of peace, thank you that the Prince of Peace died in our stead to secure our salvation and place in heaven, and to secure the peace in our hearts and minds that we may enjoy in this present age as we trust in Your goodness. Amen.