Devotions

I grew up in churches with wooden tables placed right under the pulpit. It was where they placed elements for communion and flowers for funerals. On the front lip was inscribed today’s passage. Hebrews 13:8 was one of the first verses I became familiar with as I grappled with the meaning of its theology. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Even as a young child, I would see these words burnt into the wood on the table, and it gave me a quiet assurance that Jesus never changes.

The criminal justice system is a tough place to exist. I served as a chaplain at a correctional institution, otherwise known as a prison, for several years, and each week I would see the wear and tear on the men as they shuffled to the chapel. Granted, they had a place to sleep and three meals a day, which many down and out on the street do not, but the neighborhood is much rougher inside the bars than outside. The church needs to remember its brothers and sisters serving sentences for crimes they committed. Remember those who struggle.

Long road trips are something that our family loves to take. We have traveled all over the western United States by car. Most trips have taken fifteen hours one way, but some have taken more. People asked us how our children did, and they were fine. We stopped enough for food and gas that it wasn’t too arduous. They often responded, “I could never do that with my family.” That may be true, but it makes you wonder how patient are you.

‭‭PSALMS‬ ‭130:5

“I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope.”

The Psalmist has learned the value of being patient. This is another of the Ascent Psalms that the Jews would sing as they climbed the mountain to get to Jerusalem. It was a long, arduous journey that took patience on the part of the sojourner. They wanted to get to the temple to worship, but their soul had to wait for the journey to end. The trip from Galilee to Jerusalem taught them patience they would apply to other areas of their lives.

When the disciples came down from the Mount of Transfiguration, they didn’t know that Jesus fulfilled all of the prophecies they grew up learning. They didn’t realize that John the Baptist

Do you lay awake at night worrying about your bills? Have you stressed how you will put food on the table? If so, you are not alone. Not

Do me a favor and watch the video above. It is a clip from a sermon I preached over a month ago at the church I pastor, The Village Chapel. Jesus has just come down from the Mount of Transfiguration, and he encounters the dad with the son who is demon-possessed. He is throwing himself into fires and water. It’s so bad he can’t be left alone. Jesus is this man’s only hope. He asked, “Lord help my unbelief.”

Matthew 9:22-24

But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 And Jesus said to him, “ ‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately, the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

Chaos Ensued

The disciples that didn’t go up on the mountain were confronted by this man. He was desperate. His whole life was altered when this boy was possessed because he couldn’t be left alone. Add the combative Pharisees on top, and you have a chaotic situation. Jesus enters this after a heavenly encounter with His Father on the mountain. What a downer, but He was prepared. He was a bit bummed His disciples did;t have the faith to cast the demon out.

God will always do the right in your life. It might not make sense right now, but eventually, everything comes into focus. He sees everything happening to you and knows how to respond in the right way. He will deal with those who treat you wickedly. Keep your eyes on Jesus and trust the process. Freedom is coming. Don’t give up before He sets you free.

‭‭PSALMS‬ ‭129:4‬

“The LORD is righteous; He has cut in two the cords of the wicked.”

There are fifteen songs of ascent that the Jews would sing as they climbed the hills that led to Jerusalem. These songs were packed with a history of how God had saved them in the past and prayers for future protection. It is good to remember what God has done for you because it gives you hope for the future. Here the psalmist recalls how his enemies had plowed long furrows into his back. (Vs. 3) They were slaves in Egypt and laid low by many nations during the time of the Judges.