While We Wait Calvary Fellowship’s 2020 Fall Campaign

“The waiting is the hardest part” – Tom Petty

Thanks to Covid-19 and quarantining, life in 2020 feels like it has been put on hold. So many of us find ourselves spending a lot of time waiting and hoping for normalcy, certainty, and stability to return. Speaking of return–a bigger picture event that followers of Jesus are waiting for is the return of Jesus as we long for His presence with us and the ultimate fulfillment of all of His promises to us. But what do we do while we wait for the pandemic to be over and our Savior to come back?

In Calvary Fellowship’s 2020 Fall Campaign, While We Wait, we will talk about moving beyond just waiting out difficult times, and we’ll seek to engage in actively waiting on God in a way that can make us and our world better in the times we are in right now.

We will emerge ourselves in this season of growing together as a church community as While We Wait becomes the focus of our Sunday messages, our Home Fellowship discussions, and this devotional which you are reading. To get the most out of this shared growth experience I encourage you to attend (in person or online) each Sunday service. Please join and engage in a Home Fellowship, and plan to keep up with the devotions in this resource. There are only two per week and they have been written by people within our church.

While We Wait begins October 4 and concludes on November 29. Please pray that God will move powerfully in you and in our entire church during this time so our wait can be one of purpose rather than passivity. Pray that we will rise up in the wait to do and become all He has for us in this season. May God transform our lives and use us to be a redemptive force in the community all around us – even in the wait!

Blessings,

Bill LaMorey

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Table of Contents

Week 1 The week of Oct. 4 – “What Are We Waiting For?” 3-6 - Fernie Cosgrove

Week 2 The week of Oct. 11 – “Wake Up!” 7-10 - Jaleith Gary

Week 3 The week of Oct. 18 – “Grounded in God’s Word” 11-14 - Crystal Hall

Week 4 The week of Oct. 25 – “Don’t be Anxious” 15-18 - Rumbi Masamvu

Week 5 The week of Nov. 1 – “Stick Together” 19-22 - Bill LaMorey, Crystal Hall

Week 6 The week of Nov. 8 – “Get to Work” 23-26 - Fernie Cosgrove

Week 7 The week of Nov. 15 – “Hold on to Love” 27-30 - Kenny Legan

Week 8 The week of Nov. 22 – “Grow Up!” 31-34 - Nicholas Leadbeater

Week 9 The week of Nov. 29 – “Share What You Have” 35-38 - Sam Kim

*Unless otherwise noted all scripture is NIV.

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What Are We Waiting For? – Day 1

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

We can all agree that 2020 has not looked like any of us planned. We came into this year full of expectations, plans and a vision that was quickly disrupted as a worldwide pandemic impacted our lives. All of our routines, plans, dreams, and I daresay hopes for the year quickly changed. Now we are in a season of waiting. But what are we waiting for? What are you waiting for?

To start, I’d like to ask you to take an honest look at your life and answer: what are you waiting for? Write the first things that come to mind.

The answers to this question reflect the position of our hearts. I can say with confidence that most of the things that we are waiting for are good. We long to see our loved ones, we pray for peace, we want all sickness to go away, we crave community and fellowship with one another, we want answers, we miss our normalcy, and we most likely wish things went back to the way they used to be. The things we had, the things we long for, the things we miss came from the hand of God! They were good and perfect things from our Heavenly Father. James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change life shifting shadows.” From this verse, I’d like to focus on three quick things.

First, every good and perfect thing we have are gifts. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines gift as “something voluntarily transferred by one person to another without compensation.” They are unmerited, undeserved and we did not pay for it. God, in His grace, gave you and me every good thing we have. This may be hard for us to accept as we live in a culture that praises personal effort, sacrifice and guarantees that if you work hard enough you will get access to what you want. But as Christians, we have a different understanding.

This leads to our second point: every good thing comes from our Heavenly Father. We need to recognize that all we have is an undeserved gift from God, and we need to treat it as such. More than that, we need to be able to recognize that if it all comes from God, our eyes need to focus on the giver of gifts not on the gifts themselves. Ouch, that is so hard! Especially when all we had and known has been taken away or changed for the rest of the year, or even longer.

3 How do we do this? How do we focus on God and not on what we have lost or are waiting for? James suggests that we are able to do this because God does not change like shifting shadows.

Our third point is that we are able to wait on God because He does not change, our hope comes from the reality that we have a God who is steadfast, faithful, good, sovereign, holy and He does not change. The promises He has made to His people from the beginning of time remain the same today. He does not change! He is with us and He will not be taken away from us because of a pandemic. Praise be to God that He doesn’t change and that He is always with us!

Please read Matthew 6:19-21. What are the treasures you have in your life? What does it say about the hope you have for the future?

Please read 1 Peter 1:3-9. What kind of hope have we been given through the resurrection of Jesus Christ? What is the promise we are given about this hope and inheritance? (see v. 4).

Brothers and sisters, while we wait, we have hope! Because Jesus died for our sins on the cross, conquered death through His resurrection, and now sits at the throne – we have hope! We have a living hope that can “never perish, spoil or fade” (1 Peter 1:4). And this is why we rejoice! Not because everything is the way we like it or because there are no trials in our lives. We rejoice in the middle of a global pandemic because our hope, our living hope, is in Jesus! And nothing, absolutely nothing, can take that away from us.

“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Let’s wait on him! Let’s wait on Jesus Christ!

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for the cross. Thank You that because we’ve believed in Your sacrifice for us on the cross, we have been given a new and living hope. Thank You that through this very difficult year you remain the same and although we are suffering for a little while, You will sustain us and help us grow in our faith. Lord, we ask that You forgive us for waiting on things that will perish. Forgive us for putting our hope on the things we have instead of on the One who has given us these gifts. We pray that You help us set our eyes on You. We pray that You help us rejoice in the beautiful hope You have given us and that while we wait, we may be transformed for Your glory! In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

4 What Are We Waiting For? – Day 2

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty’ who was, and is, and is to come.” Revelation 4:8

Waiting is hard and I am the first one to confess that I hate waiting. I know hate is a strong word, but I truly hate waiting. I am so impatient, and I tend to also be a bit of a control freak. At some points in my life, I’ve had three working agendas, so go figure. You must imagine that this season of COVID-19 has been truly challenging. But God in His mercy and daily grace has taught me to truly rely on God and wait on Him, instead of waiting on my circumstances.

Please read Matthew 24:30-44.

Through the gospels, Jesus spoke over and over about His second coming. He warned the disciples to be watchful and ready for His return. Although no one knows the time or the day of His return we are called to be waiting for it. As Christians, we are living in the now but not yet time of history. We are now saved, redeemed, washed by the blood of the lamb, have been made holy, and set apart as God’s people. But we are not yet complete. We live on earth and wait for the day when Christ’s reign is absolute on earth as it is in heaven. We long for the day when we’ve been made complete in holiness and we no longer struggle with sin. We long for the day when there is no more suffering, world pandemics or wars. But more than anything, we should long for the day we stand in the presence of our Lord and King Jesus!

Do you often think of Jesus Christ’s second coming? If not, what are some things that prevent you from meditating in His return? If you do, what are the benefits you find of meditating on His return?

If you struggle with thinking about Jesus’ second coming, you are not alone. For most of us, it is a challenge to keep Jesus Christ’s second coming in mind. Some of the reasons may be that it seems so foreign. We do not have control of when He will return, so why anticipate it? We may be scared of what Jesus’ second coming means and may not want to think about it. Or we may just simply get so busy with our day to day things on earth that we forget He will return. The first step for us to begin waiting on Christ’s return is to know who we are waiting for.

Please read Revelation 4:1-11 and Isaiah 6:1-6.

5 What do these visions of Christ on the throne stir in your heart?

Christ on the throne and waiting for His return is a difficult concept to grasp. We know we are now saved but are in the not yet waiting for His return. For me, this concept became real when I became married but was separated from my husband through long distance! This was hard, but it helped me understand the now, but not yet, that the Bible refers to. Through 2014 to 2017, we were legally married, but had to do long distance. We were married, caught in the now, this was our new identity and status: married to one another, one household, one family. But we did not get to enjoy the fullness of each other’s presence; we did not cook together every day or share in the beautiful ordinary things of everyday life. We were in the not yet. Though legally married, we were not able to fully enjoy everything that came through marriage. During this time, my thoughts and emotions were consumed with a longing of being in the day where we would be fully together. I would wake up and think about that day, I would tell my friends all about my husband and how I longed for the long distance to be over, and while I waited, I got myself to work. I worked to make the days in between productive, and worthwhile the wait. Then one day it hit me, the Holy Spirit revealed to me that in the same way I longed to be with my husband, I should long for Christ’s return. I learned that in the same way I went around telling everyone, I truly mean everyone, about my husband until they knew him before really meeting him; this is the same way I should share the gospel news. I understood that in the same way I got myself to work to make the wait worthwhile is the same way I should be laboring for God’s Kingdom before He returns.

Even now, I need reminders of this. I need my heart to be stirred for affection to Christ. I need my heart and mind to be transformed to have a Christ-minded, Kingdom-longing, Jesus- proclaiming focus. Brothers and sisters, as we wait, may we wait for our Heavenly King, may we proclaim His goodness, may we rejoice in His grace and love for us, and may He find us alert and faithful upon His return.

“Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.” James 5:7-9 (ESV)

Reflecting on this week: Corinthians 4:16-18, 1 John 3:2 and Luke 21:25-37.

6 Wake Up – Day 1

“Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.” Psalm 57:8

The alarm clock goes off. It’s time to get up, brush your teeth, wash your face, read a short devotional, set the coffeemaker, shower and dress, grab your coffee, grab your keys… When work begins, you already know which emails await you in your inbox and the meetings you have lined up. Life can be so repetitive and predictable at times, you could probably go through your day’s routine in your sleep!

While routines are a great tool for creating consistency, they can also make us numb to what we’re doing, our motivation behind our actions, what’s happening around us, and the overall significance of the bigger picture. What would life be like if we approached everything – even the things we enjoy most — with the listlessness that comes with over-relying on a routine?

This is a sobering question for Christians living with the challenges of modernity. With so many demands on our time and expectations to meet, it can be easy to depend too much on routines to ensure we don’t let people down; but, they also leave room for things to go on unexamined. So, what happens when your faith becomes a simple religious routine?

The church at Sardis had an outward reputation of being a robust church, but in Revelation 3 we learn of Jesus’ message to them cautioning them about the condition of their hearts as they go through the motions of religious activities (v. 2). Not only were they alerted to their hearts’ conditions, they were warned of the consequences of not correcting themselves (v. 3).

It’s easy to get caught up in a routine, but God wants us to be alert and alive in Him so that we are able to “walk with [Him], dressed in white, for [we] are worthy” (v. 4).

Read Revelation 3:1-6.

In verse 1, Jesus admonishes the Sardian church saying, “I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” Are there areas in your spiritual life where you are just going through the motions?

7 Verse 2 says, “Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God.” How would you feel or respond if you received this message from Jesus?

Being asleep at the wheel on the road or in life is risky and when you wake up, you’re confronted with all you just risked in that state of being. What are some risks of going through life without alertness?

Lacking alertness doesn’t just happen overnight. Like physical exhaustion, there are signs that make us aware of our sleepiness. What are some signs you can look for in your life to determine if you are becoming less awake and alert?

As you reflect on this passage, note some areas of your life this week which you are too dependent on routine. Ask God to reveal these areas and ask Him to help you remain alert on your journey with Christ.

8 Wake Up – Day 2

“And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” Romans 13:11

Marchaprilmayjunejulyaugustseptember. That’s what 2020 feels like to a lot of people. The days are hard to distinguish from each other and they start to run together like one long, never-ending day. Days turn into weeks, weeks into months, and before you know it, it’ll be New Year’s Eve again.

Do you remember what you planned to accomplish in all this time when you first learned about your new normal? Some can say they accomplished what they set out to do. For the rest of us, we simply convinced ourselves that there would always be tomorrow. It’s almost as if we’re hitting life’s snooze button. Snoozing in the morning before the specific time you need to be awake and start your responsibilities is one thing. Snoozing without a sense of urgency is another. Before you know it, the time you planned to use is gone, you can’t get it back, and something important remains undone.

In Ephesians 5, the apostle Paul urges the Ephesian church to, “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (vv. 15-16).

Part of navigating the world as followers of Christ is to be aware of what God is trying to do in us and through us for His glory. Our awareness relies fully on our remaining alert to the Holy Spirit’s work in our daily lives.

As we continue to focus on waking up spiritually, let’s look at and reflect upon more scripture from the Bible.

Please read Ephesians 5:8-20.

Verse 16 can also be translated to say “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” In what ways can you be wiser in your walk?

9 The KJV translation puts it this way: “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” How are you “redeeming the time” during this season of your life?

One challenge for us as Christians is to strike a good balance between routines and plans to accomplish our goals and being alert to God’s desires for us. What is one thing you can do to improve your balance in this area?

Hearing from God requires spending quality time with Him. When can you find time at least once a week to spend quality time with God?

Reflecting on this week: In what areas of your life can you make the most of every opportunity? Where do you need to stop snoozing in life? Ask God to reveal these areas and ask Him to help you remain awake on your journey with Christ.

10 Grounded in God’s Word – Day 1

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” Jeremiah 17:7

In the crazy, chaotic times we live in it’s vital we find ourselves rooted in something that will stand the test of time. Over the past eight months it’s fair to say we’ve been shaken in some way. Trials do that to us. So do pandemics. But no matter how shaken or how rattled we feel, planting ourselves in the soil of God’s everlasting Word will keep our roots from uprooting. We can stand firm and confident. We can grow and thrive, no matter what we’re going through, or waiting for. Grounding ourselves in God’s Word is the only thing that will do this to us. Just like the person we read about in Jeremiah 17:7.

Please read Jeremiah 17:5-8.

In these verses we see a contrast between two different people: a person who trusts in man, versus a person who trusts in God. Two different people with two very different outcomes. One leads to barrenness, the other fruitfulness. One made the decision to trust God, the other trusted themselves, or in other words, they trusted what they saw, what they felt, and so their roots were in soil that could not withstand a storm. That is not what we want for our lives, yet that is a struggle we face when we are not in God’s Word. How so, you might ask? The less we turn and look to scripture for strength, guidance, wisdom, direction and so forth, the more likely we are to turn to ourselves or others for which only God can faithfully provide. Before we know it, we become the cursed person were read about in Jeremiah 17:5.

We see a contrast between a cursed and a blessed man. Describe the outcome for both.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 says, “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

There are two words in verse 17 that tell us how to live a fruitful life in any trial. Can you spot them above? Those words are trust and confidence. To be clear, trust and confidence in God. How do you learn to trust God and have confidence in the one of whom you can’t physically

11 see? You park yourself in His Word. You read what He reveals about himself in scripture. You talk to Him. Doing so day by day, grounds you, and slowly, you learn to trust His Word over your fears. And when those long seasons of drought come, you will not fret because you’ve resolved to trust the Promiser over your problems. It’s not easy, but it’s absolutely possible. God tells us so, right here in Jeremiah.

I want you to reflect on whether you find yourself feeling shaky, unsteady or the like during this season. How can grounding yourself in scripture provide relief?

God’s Word should be life and breath to our souls. It should be what keeps us firm, grounded and rooted. The more we park ourselves there, the less likely we are to feel desperate or afraid. Don’t forget what Jesus told Satan when He was temped in the wilderness, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). Scripture is what fed Jesus. Scripture should be what nourishes us as well.

I realize we are busy people and that this pandemic has left many lives in disarray, but what better time to find yourself committing daily to truth that will comfort you and sustain you, not just in this season, but in the ones to come. Before you reach for your phone to check your email, reach for your Bible. Let the truth of scripture bring you to a place of fruitfulness, even as you wait for God to do what only He can do.

Before we close today, I want you to reflect on your time in God’s Word. Write down any thoughts you have from the scripture we studied, any next steps you feel led to take, or any convictions God has brought to heart. Write it below and pray and allow God to show you how He can grow you in this area. I can promise you this–He wants to.

12 Grounded in God’s Word – Day 2

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.” Psalm 1:1

On Day 1 we read from Jeremiah and learned how trusting God and putting our confidence in Him not only roots us, but leads to a fruitful life. Today, we’re going to look at a similar passage.

Please read Psalm 1.

Write down verse 2 below.

Just like we read in Jeremiah, we see a contrast between the godly and ungodly. In this contrast we see the importance of delighting and meditating upon God’s Word and how that leads to a fruitful life. Note that the psalmist emphasizes the word, daily. The blessed, godly person meditates upon God’s word day and night. I can’t agree more with the Psalmist–meditating upon God’s Word daily will build up our lives in Him. Yet, I know how hard that can be. We’re inundated with media and environments that continuously challenge scripture and put our faith to the test. That constant barrage, if not met with firm roots, will easily sway us to the tune of the world’s music. Where we once found ourselves firmly rooted, we might find that’s not the case anymore. We’re driven by fear, met with anxiety and faced with perpetual doubt and worry. But it doesn’t have to be that way. We don’t have to live like that. We often find ourselves in these cycles, but the more we mediate on the truth of scripture, the less likely we are to resort to unhealthy thinking and actions. The only way to break free from that is to renew our minds in God’s Word (Rom. 12:2). We read scripture and remind ourselves of who our God is and the precious promises He has given us. We start to mediate upon that, not our worries or problems, and we find ourselves not only thinking about truth, but delighting in it.

I want you to reflect upon how often you find yourself meditating upon God’s Word. Do you find yourself chewing on your problems more than mediating upon God’s Word? If so, what next steps can you take?

13 God’s has given us promises for us to grab hold of, especially when we find ourselves in a period of waiting and uncertainty. These promises help to ground us and provide stability as we live day in and day out, trusting God to meet us at our point of need, and He never fails to do so. I have a few of them below along with some space for you to write how it ministers to you. I did the first one for you. Perhaps some of them resonate with you – if so, grab hold of it. Memorize it. Meditate upon it. Let it be what grounds you.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Long before you were born, God had a plan for your life. Even as we wait for this pandemic to end, God has work for you to accomplish! Circumstances do not change His plan and purpose for your life. So meticulously created are the works God has for you.

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

“So that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” 1 Cor. 2:5

Reflecting on this week: I want you to know how much I’m praying for God’s Word to be the truth that guides, grounds and sustains you in this season and the next. My desire is that you would fall in love with scripture, but that’s only possible as you spend time reading it and meditating upon it. Pray that God would give you a longing for His Word. Here is some scripture to meditate upon this week: Isaiah 40:8, Psalm 119:105, Psalm 18:30, Matt. 24:35, Matt. 4:4.

14 Don’t be Anxious – Day 1

“And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.” – Luke 12: 22-23 ESV

What is “normal” anymore? It seems for most of us when one thing has come up, some other challenge or issue has not been far behind. And while this has created an environment that would make us want to give way to fear, anxiety or worry, Jesus himself teaches us how we can find peace and strength to get through this unusual time. Let’s look to Luke 12.

Please read Luke 12:13-21.

Jesus is teaching his disciples when a man in the crowd appeals to Jesus. He asks Jesus to tell his brother to give him his share of an inheritance. I’m sure we could all relate to where he is coming from – hoping Jesus could settle this family dispute to get him what he felt was “owed” to him. Much to his surprise, however, Jesus instead warns the man against covetousness and seeking a life of abundant possessions. He proceeds to tell them a parable of a “rich fool” – the man who sought to prepare a life for himself full of riches, but would not live much longer to enjoy it. This man, as Jesus teaches His disciples, was looking for earthly treasure and was “not rich towards God” (v. 21).

So, when Jesus tells his disciples “do not be anxious” in verse 22 we can surmise that His intent is for them to understand that their life is worth more than an accumulation of earthly things. He warns that laying up treasures for oneself can lure us away from treasuring God. Isn’t it interesting that 2,000 years ago people worried about similar things that we do today? In general, we ultimately seek security, provision and some assurances for our future. That’s what the man asking for Jesus’ help was looking to get through his share of inheritance. Oftentimes, anxiety comes in the absence of some form of certainty or control. In a time when we face an abundance of uncertainty in most parts of our lives, the temptation then is for fear to drive our actions and “take back control” where possible. Instead, Jesus is clear in his teaching – God is in control.

Please read Luke 12: 22-34.

The examples Jesus uses in Luke 12 may almost seem too simple; God feeds the ravens, gives lilies their beauty and clothes the grass. But who among us can understand the wonderful mysteries of God? No one knows how God does these things, and Jesus says “… your Father

15 knows what you need” (v. 30). So, knowing all this, we can trust God and surrender what is out of our need for control – even when the “how” is not entirely clear to us.

“Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (vv. 31 – 32).

Ultimately, when we focus our hearts and attention on God and His kingdom, we know “while we wait” our heavenly Father will continue to provide for all our needs. We also realize that instead of worrying about earthly possessions, we must seek “a treasure in the heavens that does not fail” (v. 33).

In the space below, spend some time reflecting on the things that have become anxieties for you, especially in these unusual times. How do Christ’s words from this passage give you hope and assurance?

Consider the “world’s” narratives and how it oftentimes conflicts with Jesus instruction “do not worry” How do we counter this?

What are some practical ways you can “seek His kingdom” starting today? What do you understand Jesus to mean when he says to pursue “a treasure in the heavens that does not fail” and how can you put this into action?

16 Don’t be Anxious – Day 2

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Phil. 4:6 ESV

As a child growing up in the Episcopal church, my favorite part of every service was the end, but not for the reason you might think! At the end of every service, the following blessing was always given: “May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, keep your heart and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Those words – taken from Philippians – were a source of comfort and hope for me. Even from a young age, I understood the promise that regardless of what happened in the week ahead, I had God’s peace and love to see me through. Let’s reflect on this text and its meaning.

Please read Philippians 4:4–7.

In the last part of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he is sharing some final words of encouragement to his friends. He starts by instructing them in verse 4 with, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.”

What do you think makes it difficult to rejoice in the Lord always? Why does Paul emphasize this point?

Next, he tells them “The Lord is at hand” as a reminder of Christ’s return, before instructing them, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God.”

Paul says to not be anxious about anything – a challenging feat at best but important enough for him to say in this letter. But he also shares the remedy for overcoming anxiety – prayer. Our prayers, offered in humility and with thanksgiving to God, allow us to take the focus off ourselves and place it squarely on God. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” Peter later says in his letter 1 Peter 5:7.

17 Why do you think thanksgiving is an important part of our prayer?

Lastly, Paul assures the Philippians that God’s peace will keep their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (v. 7). Have you ever experienced God’s peace? Reflect on that experience and what verse 7 means to you.

Notice how Jesus himself describes the peace He gives us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27, ESV).

In conclusion, we come away with the knowledge and reminder that as followers of Christ we have a strategy for overcoming anxiety. While in a season of waiting, faced with uncertainty and instability, God calls us to rejoice in Him, seek Him in humble prayer and remember all He has done with thanksgiving. In return, we have the assurance of God’s peace in our hearts and minds – much needed in a world that looks nothing like what we have known or seen before.

Reflecting on this week: Here is some scripture to meditate upon the week to help battle any anxiety you may be facing: Isaiah 41:10, 2 Timothy 1:7, Matthew 6:25-34, Psalm 34:4 and Proverbs 3:5-6.

18 Stick Together – Day 1

“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.” 1 Peter 3:8 NLT

In the animated film “Up” shy Carl is clearly intimidated when he first meets bombastic Ellie. However, in short order, Ellie pins a grape-soda bottle cap pin on Carl as she informs him, “You and me, we’re in a club now.” And sure enough, Carl and Ellie stick together from childhood and through adulthood as they eventually marry, all the way until the death of Ellie, after which the film finds its focus. Their relationship is illustrative of how we as Christ-followers should be connected relationally to one another, even though we might first be apprehensive with one another; we have to work through that and stick together because “you and me, we’re in a club now,” too.

More accurately, as followers of Jesus, we are in a family now. God is our Father and through Jesus we have unbelievable access, riches, privileges and relationship with Him as His sons and daughters. Yet, as the New Testament makes clear, none of us are an only-child of God! We all have brothers and sisters in the faith, and we are called to demonstrate God’s love at work in us by loving one another in a deep, profound, lasting way. Loving one another means we first have to make sure we gather with one another. The author of Hebrews puts it this way, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24–25).

This passage is a great reminder of the incredible importance of gathering together as a local church. According to these verses, what are some of the things we are supposed to be doing when we come together as God’s people and why is it important that we practice these things together?

Coronavirus and quarantining have made meeting together as God’s people incredibly difficult to do, but it is still important that we engage with one another for the purposes we see throughout the New Testament. What are some creative, intentional ways we can engage even when we can’t yet come together as we traditionally have in the past?

19 In what ways is God calling you to be intentional about staying in community during this time?

“The Day approaching” in Hebrews speaks of the return of Jesus that we as Christians all long for. And while we wait in great anticipation of Jesus coming back for us, we need to stick together. After all, you and me, we’re in a family now.

20 Stick Together – Day 2

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42

Take a moment and imagine how life would be if you were alive during the early church. Think about what it was like as a believer back then. Yes, you would have faced intense persecution, but I also know you would have experienced much joy in the fellowship of believers who, “… devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). Jesus was life to them. Their entire lives were dedicated to spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8) and they did not fail to do so. Check out all the epistles Paul wrote! They lived the gospel message and died sharing it, but through it all, the fellowship they had was unmatched.

Please read Acts 2:42-47.

In verse 42 there are four things listed in which the early church devoted themselves to. Write them below.

Which of these do you feel you may be lacking in your life currently and why? Is there anything you can do to change that?

I know how hard it is to maintain teaching, fellowship, the sharing of meals and prayer during a pandemic, but these were necessities during the early church and I believe they still are for us today–even in the midst of our current time.

For example, if you have decided to avoid contact with people because of coronavirus, you can still participate in our virtual prayer gatherings. You can still watch church online and meet with others virtually or outside in a small group. There are ways around a pandemic for us to still stick together! You may have to get creative, but it is possible.

21 I love what verses 45 and 46 say, “They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” Don’t skip over verse 45 without it sinking in–they sold their possessions and gave money to those in need. What belonged to one, belonged to the other. They were generous and bold. They shared life together in beautiful ways. We can certainly learn a thing or two about that. It’s convicting for me when I read about how often they gathered and the ways in which they loved each other. I don’t know about you, but I have a lot of work to do!

When your read about the early church and how they “stuck” together. What is striking to you and/or convicting?

This year has shown us just how much we need each other. A simple hug, smile, or a shared meal go a long way. Before coronavirus, we wouldn’t have thought twice, but when forced to self-isolate and social distance, we realize just how special community is. Once taken for granted, we praise God for the opportunities we get to meet with a friend or small group in person. This year has opened our eyes to the importance of fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We need each other. We really do. Don’t let pride get in the way of admitting that. We were created to be in community with one another, and though that looks different than it has in the past, it’s important we find ways to maintain that. Coronavirus and the pandemic can cause you to pull away from community or pull closer – which will you choose?

Let’s make the effort to stick together in not only the good times, but the tough times. After all, we are one big family.

Reflecting on this week: Ecc. 4:9-12, Romans 12:3-13 and Matthew 18:20.

22 Get to Work – Day 1

“But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only.” James 1:22 ESV

Sometimes when we think of waiting, we think of it as a passive thing. We think that because we are in a season of waiting, there is nothing for us to do in the in-between. But waiting on Jesus is an active wait. It is an active process of trust, dependence on Christ, and seeking His will. The Bible makes it clear that we are to get to work about His purpose, His Kingdom and His glory as we wait for His return.

The Bible gives us many examples of what it looks like to wait for Christ’s return and get to work in the in-between. An example of this is “The Parable of the Talents” a story in the gospels that most of us are familiar with.

Please read it in Matthew 25:14-30.

What is the difference between the “good and faithful servant” and the “wicked and slothful servant”?

Search and write the definition of steward and stewardship.

Jesus told this parable on stewardship and we can learn much from it about what faithful stewardship looks like in our own lives as we wait for our Master, our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of Heaven and of Earth to return.

First, we see in verse 15, that he gives to each according to their ability. What does this mean for us? As Christians who have believed in the resurrected power of Jesus Christ, we have been given the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirt equips us for every good work through His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Each of us has been equipped with different spiritual gifts for the common good of our families, church and community. But we have to use these gifts, we need to get to work.

23 Please read 1 Corin. 12:1-11. What are the gifts that God has given you to serve His church?

Secondly, we learn through this parable that we will be asked to give an account (see verse 19). Now, brothers and sisters, this causes me to tremble every time I read it. But this should not be a kind of paralyzing fear that turns us away from God or leads us to hide away the talents God has given us due to fear of failure. No, this is a godly fear of the Lord that draws us to Him in absolute surrender, total dependence of His grace, and gratitude that a Sovereign, Almighty and Holy God would choose to use us for His purposes. He doesn’t need us, yet He uses us! This is mind blowing and amazing. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Douglas Stuart said, “The fear of the Lord is enjoined throughout Scripture, demanding that God’s people stand always in awe of him, appreciate his supremacy and greatness, fear the consequences of disobeying his will, and not treat lightly any aspect of their covenant relationship with him, lest the consequences be severe or even fatal. Attempts on the part of some in modern times to define fearing the Lord as merely respecting him distort the biblical evidence.”

The Bible tells us that this is a reality we can all expect, God will ask each of us for an account of the things we did or did not do here on earth. Although this reality should not paralyze us in fear or legalism, it should motivate us to look inward, examine our hearts, our motivations, and come to the Lord in prayer asking for grace, boldness and a desire to do His will on earth. This truth keeps me going, it fuels me during seasons of waiting, it motivates me, and leads me to come to God asking for grace and strength to do what He has called me to do. This is possible because I know and trust that if He has called me to do His work, He will sustain me, and He will provide the means and the grace to carry it to fruition. All I have to do is get to work. One thing at the time. One day at the time. One task at the time. Oh, how I long to hear the words of my Savior saying: “Good and faithful servant, enter into my rest.” And this is not because I want recognition or glory of my own, but because I want to join the hosts in heaven that lay down their crowns to give glory to the One who sits on the throne, Jesus Christ (Rev. 4:9-11)!

Let me encourage you to get to work, Jesus is coming! May He find us faithful and ready for His return! For the glory and praise of His glorious Name! Pray that God may reveal to you what your get to work looks like for this season. Pray that He may give you the grace to do it and get to work!

24 Get to Work – Day 2

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 ESV

The beginning of this year we entered a new decade. We started 2020 excited for the new year, for the new decade, and for all it would contain. All over the place we could find the phrase of “20/20 vision.” As Christians, we embraced this! We wanted to dedicate this year to refocus, to gain a 20/20 vision with a focus on Jesus! As we welcomed the year, we made resolutions, we gathered together as churches and discussed how the beginning of a new decade can be defined by us following Jesus, serving Him and getting to work in our communities. We prayed, perhaps fasted, we encouraged one another, and with great excitement we planned for all the things we would get to work on for the Lord this year.

Then, COVID-19 became a global pandemic, and life took a drastic turn. Not only that but our country faced racial injustice, protests, fires, hurricanes, and the year is not even over yet. Very little of what we have known remains the same. We are getting used to new rhythms of life. New routines, new work environments, and we are all getting used to wearing masks all of the time. This is very strange. I realize you know all of this, as this weighs heavily in all of our hearts. Why bring it all back up? I bring it up, because life for us has changed. In the middle of this, we have lost focus. We have lost the focus with which we started our year and it’s time to focus once again. This focus is two-fold, one is to come to the Word of God to know Him and love Him more; and two, to love our neighbors as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40). More than ever, loving our brothers and our neighbors is hard, it requires self-sacrifice and is of utmost priority.

Please read Matthew 9:35-38.

Jesus had compassion of the multitudes that had diverse kinds of physical and spiritual needs. What challenge is presented in this verse? What solution is given? How can you be part of the solution?

25 Please read James 1:27, Isaiah 1:17 and Exodus 22:21-24.

What do these verses have in common? What do they tell us about God’s heart?

Think about a population in need during these times (e.g. orphans, homeless, single-parents, widows, elderly, etc.). Write it down and pray for God to reveal to you one way in which you can serve them during this time.

You may be thinking, what about the pandemic? Did you forget? No, I have not forgotten but what I would like to suggest and have us explore is that there are many ways that we can serve, love our neighbor and proclaim the gospel – even if we cannot go serve in person. The difficult part is how to do so. Unfortunately, I do not have the answer to the latter question as that will really depend on the season of life you are in, and what God is individually calling you to.

Brothers and sisters, there is an entire world out there that needs the hope of Jesus Christ, that needs His church to lay down our lives like He has surrendered His, and that is able to have a hope that does not move in the middle of all this chaos. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, in the middle of a pandemic and let us get to work for His Kingdom.

“Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong. Do everything in love”. 1 Corinthians 16: 13-14

Pray that God may give you wisdom about your next steps in serving this world in desperate need for Him.

Reflecting on this week: Hebrews 12:20-21, Ephesians 2:8-10 and James 2:14-26.

26 Hold on to Love – Day 1

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38

This week, we are going to be focusing on how to love while we wait. Jesus says that in the later days (I’m not saying we are there despite Bill preaching from Revelation this week), “because of the increase of wickedness, the love of many will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:12-13). Therefore, it is of upmost importance to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus so that love can continue to flow through us, or else we will be overcome by wickedness.

In today’s world, it might seem there is less love going around and wickedness is gaining the upper hand. It’s tough to say whether that is true or not, but our consummation of the 24-hour news cycle and the endless stream of social media certainly makes it appear that way.

The good news (the best news!) is that God’s love is as abundant as ever, and we can see that through two of His promises in particular:

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

While God’s love never leaves us, our awareness of it does. As we learn to hold on to love, the first step is holding on to God’s love. Everything else flows from that. Take this time to remember the ways in which He has loved you and continues to love you.

Please read John 15:1-11.

Verse 4 says “Neither can you bear much fruit unless you remain in me.” What fruit is Jesus talking about here (a good example is in Galatians 5:22-23)? Do you find that it’s easier to bear that fruit when you are in a season of close relationship with Jesus? What happens to that fruit in you when you neglect time with God?

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Verse 11 says: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be complete.” Be honest with yourself, do you feel Jesus’ joy in you and do you feel it’s complete? If you don’t feel that way, look back at the previous two verses. How can that help you discover more of Jesus’ complete joy?

What takes your mind away from your awareness of God’s love for you? What habits do you need to add or remove for you to become more aware on a daily/hourly basis?

Why does God love us as humans and you specifically? How did Jesus’ death on the cross reflect that?

If possible, before you do anything else, set aside time each morning to be still and meditate on how God loves you. Listen to the song “How He Loves.” Ask God to reveal His love to you in that moment and throughout the day and write them all down in a journal.

28 Hold on to Love – Day 2

“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:39

Most of us have heard this verse, or iterations like it, since we can remember “Do unto others as you would have done unto you.” Sometimes, we hear this command so much that it loses its effectiveness. We might think, As long as I’m not mean to my neighbor, I’m doing alright.

But there is so much more to it! Firstly, who is your neighbor? Most of us think of it as the people who live in close proximity to us, which is true. Jesus gives a much more detailed definition in Luke which we will read shortly (spoiler alert: everyone is your neighbor).

Secondly, what does it mean to love them? As Jesus mentions in the Luke passage below, it’s much more than ignoring them. In fact, Jesus specifically says not to ignore them. The radical love that Jesus preaches is active. It seeks out those who are hurting (spoiler alert: again, it’s everyone) and comes alongside them.

Paul explains this perfectly 1 Corinthians 13:

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrong. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

This is how we love: we honor each other, rejoice with each other, put others above ourselves, protect each other, and forgive each other. As we hold on to love during this season of waiting, let us find ways to creatively and actively love our neighbors.

Please read Luke 10:25-37.

This passage seems like it could end after verse 28 but this verse holds a key verb to unlocking Jesus’ truth about loving others. Why didn’t Jesus say “Understand this and you will live” but instead He said “Do this and you will live?” Why didn’t the lawyer fully comprehend Jesus’ words the first time?

29 Why was it important that Jesus chose a Samaritan as a ‘hero’ of the story? What are ways in which the Samaritan actively loved on the man who was attacked?

Think about a few people in your life. They could be people you know well, or someone you pass on a street corner. How can you actively love them this week?

As we close out this week, read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. Paul says “without love, I am nothing.” Why is that true?

Reflecting on this week: Read Luke 10:38-42 and John 12:1-9 and observe how Mary actively loves Jesus. Use this as a guide for how you can love Jesus, and how Jesus loves you in return, so that you can pour out that love to those around you.

30 Grow Up – Day 1

“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me” 1 Corinthians 13:11

I remember vividly the Christmas that I first realized that Santa was not some big white- bearded jolly chap in a red suit, but instead was my mom and dad. And I remember the day that I realized that my childhood ambition to be an airplane pilot was not going to pan out. I was growing up, and as I did, I saw things differently to the way I used to as a child. But there were aspects of my childhood that I found harder to let go of.

In our spiritual walk, we face the challenge to let go of all our childish ways and thoughts to grow up. But we are not alone. When the Apostle Paul first went to Corinth, he found that the Christians there were childish in their faith. They were self-focused, and were squabbling over small matters when big issues were at stake. In his first letter to the church there, he wrote what is now a passage that is often read at weddings. It is all about the mature qualities of a believer, especially when it comes to true love. He then implores the church then, and us now, to no longer be like children.

When we think of growing up, we need to get the right perspective about God. By studying the Bible we discover that God is loving, patient, and kind to us. As our faith matures, our relationship with God will flourish.

We also need to adjust our thinking about our relationships. We need to remember that we are to love others as Christ loves us. When we do this, we will find more joy in serving people than determining how they can cater to our needs.

As we grow up, we find that we are not defined by our real and perceived failures, but instead our identity is found in Jesus. As we learn to submit to God’s loving authority in our lives, He transforms our hearts and minds to be more like His.

Please read 1 Corinthians 13:1-13.

Reflecting on verse 11, in what ways in your spiritual life do you talk like a child, think like a child, and reason like a child?

31 Looking back on your walk with God, how have you grown up since first accepting Christ into your life?

In your relationships with others, how can you grow in love by serving others rather than wanting them to serve you?

Reflecting on your identity in Christ, what areas of your life do you need to submit to God’s authority and allow Him to mature you?

As you think about growing up, try saying this prayer and spend some time in quiet, asking God to speak to you in response. Heavenly Father, I want to put away childish thinking with Your help. Show me where my thoughts are immature in how I perceive You, others and myself. Help me take every thought captive, examine it and transform it for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

32 Grow Up – Day 2

“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” James 1:4

Watching children play sports can be amusing. Running the wrong way around the baseball field, kicking the ball off the side of the field in football, getting distracted when they see a friend or family member. Or when they are learning a musical instrument and there is a cacophony rather than a tune. We think it’s cute and we laugh. But if we were watching a professional sports game or are at a concert, these mistakes or lack of experience would not be so funny – It’s all a matter of maturity.

It’s okay for children to struggle at things, not knowing what to do, or making mistakes along the way. It’s all a part of trying and learning. As adults, we coach children and patiently guide them toward maturity. Then we celebrate their success as later they play skillfully.

Something similar happens in the life of those who follow Jesus. In Ephesians 4, Paul points out that the church needs people who will “be patient, bearing with one another in love” (v. 2). We need a variety of “coaches” (pastors, teachers, spiritual mentors) to help us all move toward “unity in the faith” as we strive to “become mature” (v. 13).

None of us have reached, or will reach this side of heaven, complete maturity. We are all on a journey and need to persevere. Along the way, we can all encourage one another as we grow in maturity in Christ (v. 15).

Please read Ephesians 4:1-16.

Verse 14 talks about how as we mature we will “no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.” In what ways in our daily lives can we be “tossed back and forth,” or “blown here and there”?

33 Verse 15 says “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” What does it mean to “speak the truth in love?”

As part of growing in maturity we need a “coach.” Who do you have speaking into your life? Are they bringing you wise counsel; speaking truth in love?

As part of growing in maturity we need to be a “coach” to others. Whose life are you speaking into? Are you bringing wise counsel; speaking truth in love?

Reflecting on this week: What areas in your life are you still behaving like a child? Where do you need to “grow up?” Ask God to reveal these areas and ask Him to help you grow in maturity in Christ.

34 Share What You Have – Day 1

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” Isaiah 55:1

I love all the Mission Impossible movies! It’s very exciting at the beginning of each movie when the agent receives his mission by way of a secret message. But after it’s played, the message self-destructs and is gone forever. As Christians, we have been given a mission as well. It is a not-so-secret mission from God, our Heavenly Father, to deliver the good news of Jesus to all. It’s a message of hope and grace to everyone and anyone who will listen, which then in turn calls them into a life of mission. We are called into mission, because we have been transformed by an experience of God’s love in our lives, and we want that for others!

Please read Isaiah 55:1-5, and meditate on God’s invitation to those who thirst and are in need.

Verse 2 poses a question to us: “why spend money…[or]…labor on what does not satisfy”? Reflect on this verse and write down your thoughts on what it is that brings you delight and happiness.

Verse 3 says that we have a new relationship with God; it is “an everlasting covenant.” Write down what it means to be given a promise like this from God. List some things God has done that demonstrate His faithfulness to us.

Verse 4 talks about how King David was made “a witness to the peoples.” The word “witness” can be a legal term. A witness can be a person who: a) gives evidence or testimony before a jury in court, or b) acts as a notary for a contract, such as being present when vows are exchanged at a wedding ceremony. As Christians, we are called to be witnesses for Jesus. How does a personal encounter with Jesus help propel you forward into a life of mission?

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Read verse 5 and reread all 5 verses and meditate on the passage in light of the gospel. In which areas of your life are you sensing God’s call to go out, perhaps out of your comfort zone to be a witness for Jesus? What next steps can you take to act upon that call?

36 Share What You Have – Day 2

“To loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke.” Isaiah 58:6

Day 1 of this week’s devotional was all about the call to make disciples wherever you go: in your neighborhood, your home, your workplace, in your communities, and to the ends of the earth. Jesus calls us to share the good news of grace and peace and hope to everyone! We are called to “reproduce” as Christians. For Day 2 of our devotional, let’s study what it means to “represent” Christ in a way that honors Him. We are called to offer both “word” and “deed,” whether people accept God’s invitation or not.

Please read the entire chapter of Isaiah 58, and meditate on the idea of biblical justice.

Verses 1-4 talk about religious hypocrisy. Ponder on areas in your life where hypocrisy may have crept in, which has led to a misrepresentation of Jesus. Do you see any?

Verses 5-7 talk about the meaning and importance of doing justice in this world. Our God is a God of justice and mercy. Meditate on how a life of doing justice properly represents Jesus and honors God. Reread verses 5-7 and Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Verses 8-10 offer God’s promise of a hope of a future to come. As Christians sitting on this side of the cross of Jesus, we have resources and a faith to endure the current sorrows of life. How so? Do you sometimes catch yourself putting all your hope in things, and not Jesus?

37 Verses 11-12 remind us that God will provide and He will help us in our times of weakness. Write down the times when God came through for you when you needed Him the most.

Reflecting on this week: Verses 13-14 talk about finding “your joy in the LORD.” This joy is the power and motivation that we need when doing justice in this world. A generous heart is one that is sacrificial and joyful. Reflect and make a commitment unto the LORD on specific ways to joyfully and generously represent Jesus in your life.

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