When God Seems Silent | 5 Devotions on Lament, Prayer, and Trust
Day 1: The Legitimacy of Lament
Scripture Reading: Psalm 13:1-2; Psalm 42:9-11
Reflection: David's lament in Psalm 13 echoes the deep sorrow and confusion many of us feel during difficult times. He openly expresses his feelings of abandonment, showing us that it is okay to be honest with God about our struggles. Similarly, in Psalm 42, the psalmist cries out to God, expressing his soul’s turmoil. Both passages remind us that lament is a legitimate and important part of our faith journey.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for hearing our cries and understanding our pain. Help us to be honest with You about our struggles, trusting that You care deeply for us. Teach us to bring our laments to You, knowing You are a loving and compassionate Father. Amen.
Devotions: Enduring Words
Day 1: The Power of God’s Word
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 30:5-6
Reflection: Today’s reading reminds us of God's word's perfect truth and reliability. Unlike human words, which can be flawed and deceitful, God's words are pure and protect those who trust in Him. As we navigate a world filled with misinformation and deceit, let’s anchor ourselves in the certainty and safety of God’s promises.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth and purity of Your word. Help me to rely on Your promises and teachings as my ultimate source of truth. Protect me from the temptation to add to or distort Your words. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Devotions: Rising Above the Storm
Day 1: Trusting in God’s Refuge
Scripture Reading: Psalm 46:1-3
Reflection: Today's passage from Psalm 46 reminds us of God's unshakeable presence as our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Like the psalmist in Psalm 11, we are encouraged to trust in God’s protection when everything around us seems chaotic. Despite the earth giving way or mountains falling into the heart of the sea, our confidence remains firm in the Lord, who is our sanctuary.
Prayer: Lord, in times of turmoil and uncertainty, help me to remember that You are my refuge and strength. When fears assail me and the ground shakes, let my heart cling to You, the unmovable rock of my salvation. Amen.
Dwell in the Word: Psalm 17
Here in Psalm 17, we find a prayer of David and we again see a psalm where the psalmist is in distress and this psalm is a psalm of lament. These tend to unfold in a very similar way when we come across them. These types of psalms generally open with crying out to God. This is then followed by the psalmist declaring innocence in that situation, the one that's causing this distress that is making them cry out to God
Dwell in the Word: Psalm 16
Psalm 16 starts out with a powerful prayer. The psalmist cries out asking for God to preserve him. This is a prayer that each of us has probably said at some point, we may not have used those exact words, but we have come to a point where we feel as though we can't make it on our own, and so we cry out to God. And we see why David is crying out to God in the circumstances that he is facing here in Psalm 16. It is because he understands that God is his refuge.
Devotions: From Questioning to Trusting
Day 1: The Reality of Evil and Suffering
Scripture Reading: Job 1:13-22
Reflection: Job’s response to overwhelming tragedy is a profound example of trust in God’s sovereignty, even when life seems chaotic and unjust. Like Psalm 10, Job’s story challenges us to acknowledge the reality of evil and suffering while holding fast to the belief that God remains just and good despite our circumstances.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, in the face of suffering and loss, help me to trust in Your sovereign care. Teach me to respond with faith, knowing that You are just and all-knowing, even when I do not understand the reasons for my trials. Amen.
Dwell in the Word: Psalm 15
In light of what we looked at last time in Psalm 14, we see an interesting question here at the beginning of Psalm 15. O Yahweh, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? Well considering that we just saw in the previous Psalm that there is none who is righteous, not even one, This is an important question. Is anyone worthy?
Devotions: The Lord Reigns
Day 1: The Righteous Judge
Scripture Reading: Romans 2:5-11
Reflection: Today's passage reminds us of God's impartial judgment. He rewards each one according to their deeds, showing no favoritism. Reflect on how this understanding of God as a just judge influences how we live our lives, striving to act righteously in His sight, knowing that He judges fairly and righteously.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your justice and fairness. Help me to trust in Your judgment and live a life that seeks Your righteousness, knowing that You will reward each according to their works. Amen.
May 26 Sermon: The Lord Reigns
The news the past several weeks has been filled with stories of extreme weather. Now, the videos and images that we see can cause us to feel empathy for those affected, and it can cause us to be very thankful that we were not affected by it. And there are many in our congregation and in our community who have been deeply affected by events like this in the past, and with this comes a heightened sense of fear about this stuff. And part of the reason for this is because these type of things are not only unpredictable, but these type of things do not discriminate. It can happen anywhere, at any time, to anyone. Now, whether you've been personally affected by a storm or not, when you know that bad weather is coming, you're going to try to find a place to be safe. The better your refuge, the more confidence you have of the safety that you have when the winds and the rains beat against that place where you've chosen to flee for safety. Now, in my years of doing youth ministry, many years ago, I experienced some very interesting shelters between camps and music festivals.
From Prophecy to Reality | Acts 2:1–21 | 5 Devotions on the Spirit’s Global Mission
Pentecost was more than a dramatic moment—it was the launch of a global movement fueled by the Holy Spirit. In our sermon on Acts 2:1–21, we explored how the events of Pentecost fulfilled ancient prophecy, reversed Babel’s curse, and inaugurated the church’s mission to proclaim the gospel to all nations.
These five short devotions will help you reflect more deeply on what Pentecost means for us today—from God’s promise of the Spirit to the global vision of the church.
Devotions: Receive Your King
Day 1: The Sovereignty of God
Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:15-20
Reflection: Today’s scripture reminds us that Christ’s sovereignty extends over all creation. As the firstborn of all creation, Jesus holds preeminence in everything, including His authority and power over the universe. His ascension into heaven and seating at the Father's right hand mark the ultimate affirmation of His divine sovereignty.
Devotions: Rich in Wealth, Poor in Spirit
Day 1: Spiritual Temperature Check
Scripture Reading: Matthew 24:12-13
Reflection:
In today's passage, Jesus warns of a cooling in the spiritual fervor of many believers as challenges and lawlessness increase. This prediction aligns with the lukewarm condition condemned in Revelation. Consider your own spiritual fervor: is your faith hot, cold, or lukewarm? How does the state of your heart reflect your relationship with God?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be aware of my spiritual temperature. Stir in me a fervent, enduring faith that does not cool in the face of trials or grow indifferent with comfort. Amen.
Devotions: An Open Door
Day 1: The Sovereign Authority of Christ
Reading: Isaiah 22:22
Meditation: Reflect on how the key of the house of David symbolizes authority and control. Just as Eliakim was granted authority to open and close doors, Christ holds ultimate authority over all aspects of life. Meditate on areas of your life where recognizing Christ’s control could bring peace and trust.
Devotions: Wake Up
Day 1: Spiritual Complacency and Awakening
Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:1-13
Reflection:
In today's scripture, the foolish virgins thought they were prepared for the bridegroom, but their lack of oil revealed their unpreparedness at the crucial moment. Similarly, the church in Sardis appeared alive but was spiritually dead. Reflect on areas in your life where you might be spiritually complacent. Are you truly prepared for Christ's return, or are you relying on past spiritual experiences?
Prayer:
Lord, awaken my spirit and help me to live in readiness for Your return. Illuminate areas of complacency in my life and empower me to strengthen my commitment to You daily.
Devotions: Hold Fast
Day 1: The Holiness of Christ
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16
Devotional:
Reflect on the majestic description of Jesus in Revelation 2:18, with eyes like flames of fire and feet like burnished bronze. This vision underscores His holiness and purity, emphasizing His authority as our High Priest who understands our weaknesses yet calls us to confidently approach His throne of grace. Consider how Christ's holiness impacts your view of sin and grace in your daily life.
Prayer Focus: Ask God to give you a more profound reverence for Christ’s holiness and to help you live a life that reflects His purity.
Devotions: Repent
Day 1: Faithful Witness Amidst Persecution
Reading: Revelation 2:12-13
Devotional:
Today, let us reflect on the unwavering faith of the church in Pergamum, which stood firm despite being in the heart of opposition. Consider the pressures we face in our lives to compromise our faith. How can we remain steadfast in our confession that Jesus is Lord? As you meditate on this passage, pray for the strength to be a faithful witness in your environment, no matter the challenges.
Devotions: From Mourning to Mission
Day 1: The Empty Tomb and the Unexpected Victory
Bible Reading: John 20:1-10
Today, we reflect on the empty tomb's significance, a powerful symbol of Jesus' victory over death. Mary Magdalene and the disciples' disbelief and confusion when they found the tomb empty echoes our own struggles with faith in the face of the unexpected.
Devotional: As we read about the disciples' early morning discovery, let's consider the times when God has surprised us with hope amidst despair. How does the reality of the resurrection shape your understanding of God's power and promise in your life?
Marked By Grace: Day 47
The Resurrection – A Message of Hope and Commission
Scripture: Mark 16:1-8
Reflection:
Mark's account of the resurrection focuses on the women who go to anoint Jesus' body, only to find the tomb empty and an angelic messenger announcing Jesus' resurrection. This event is the cornerstone of Christian faith, signifying Jesus' victory over death and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The women's initial response of fear and bewilderment reflects the astonishing nature of the resurrection. Despite their initial fear, they receive a message of hope and a commission to tell the disciples. This passage invites us to embrace the resurrection's joy and hope and share this life-changing news with others.
Marked By Grace: Day 46
The Burial of Jesus and Acts of Devotion
Scripture: Mark 15:42-47
Reflection:
This passage describes the burial of Jesus, a significant act undertaken by Joseph of Arimathea, a council member, who displays courage and devotion by requesting Jesus' body from Pilate. The careful preparation of Jesus’ body and its placement in a tomb, witnessed by Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Joses, are acts of respect and love. This account contrasts the honor given to Jesus in death by these individuals with the rejection and humiliation He faced before His crucifixion. It challenges us to consider how we honor Jesus and the importance of devotion and respect in our relationship with Him.
Marked By Grace: Day 45
The Death of Jesus and Its Significance
Scripture: Mark 15:33-41
Reflection:
In these verses, Mark describes the final moments of Jesus' life, including the darkness over the land, Jesus' cry of abandonment, His death, and the temple curtain tearing in two. Jesus' cry, quoting Psalm 22:1, expresses the depth of His suffering and alienation as He bears the weight of humanity's sin. The tearing of the temple curtain symbolizes the removal of the barrier between God and humankind, granting direct access to God through Jesus' sacrifice. The centurion's recognition of Jesus as the Son of God underscores the irony that a Gentile sees what many Jews did not. This passage calls us to reflect on the profound spiritual significance of Jesus' death and its impact on our relationship with God.