Categories
PWTE Daily Devotion

The Deception of Glory

By clicking on this SoundCloud link you can listen to today’s PWTE devotion

We human creatures have a fear that we’re going to be forgotten, and if we’re forgotten then our lives are meaningless. Somehow, in some way, we want to leave a legacy.

We seek glory and fame.

Benet Hill Monastery, Black Forest, Colorado
Benet Hill Monastery, Black Forest, Colorado

You’re probably thinking, “not me! I could care less about reaching Hollywood fame!” That’s probably true. I’m with you. I really don’t need to have my name plastered in the tabloids.

Yet we don’t want to be forgotten either.  We’re like the religious leaders described by John.

“Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.” John 12:42-43 English Standard Version

The authorities didn’t want to make waves and take a chance they’d be kicked out of the synagogue. They were attracted to Jesus. They believed in Jesus, but only to a certain point. They didn’t want their legacy tarnished.

For most of us, chances are that all we’ll be someday is a picture in someone’s genealogy book, but not in God’s eyes.  We are never forgotten by God.  Jesus sought only the glory of his Father and through Jesus our legacy is in heaven.

Does that mean that we twiddle our thumbs until we die, or Jesus returns?  No.  It simply means that our life’s focus is not to make a name for ourselves, but that we live in such a way that others might join us in the glory of heaven.

Copyright 2015

Categories
PWTE Daily Devotion

Protection

By clicking on this SoundCloud link you can listen to today’s PWTE devotion

This cactus is beautiful.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its grand vistas, large herds of elk and occasional moose, not for its cacti. When I took this picture I was surround by a large number of cow elk. But this cactus caught my eye.

There are many of us who are quite similar to this cactus. Because we are special creations of God and because we have been recreated through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we are declared by God to be beautiful.

But we keep people at a distance. We live in fear that something bad is going to happen to us so we stick out our needles and keep people away.

“Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, ‘Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?’ ‘No, Lord,’ she said. And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I. Go and sin no more.'” John 8:10 New Living Translation

I’m sure this woman who was caught in the act of adultery felt like nothing, wanting to keep people away. Yet nothing could keep Jesus from declaring her forgiven and beautiful. Nothing could keep him from urging her to leave her life of sin. Why? Because she was beautiful

And so are you. God has declared you beautiful.

Copyright 2015

Categories
PWTE Daily Devotion

Stars and Sun Alike

By clicking on this SoundCloud link you can listen to today’s PWTE devotion

The setting sun is frightening for many people as light gives way to darkness. It is not that people are actually afraid of the setting sun, but of the darkness that follows.

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Where is God in the darkness?

“Both day and night belong to you; you made the starlight and the sun.” Psalm 74:16 New Living Translation

There are bad things that happen in the dark, yet these bad things also happen when the sun is at its apex. There are good things that happen in the light, yet these good things also happen at night.

The psalmist reminds us that God is as much in the darkness as in the light. He holds both in the palm of his hand. Both the light of the sun and that of the stars are the work of his creation.

God is not afraid of your darkness. Because God made the stars to rule the night he also rules in the darkness that surrounds you. He is present in your fight against disease. He is present in your struggle with your spouse. He is present in your dead end job.

God is present where darkness resides.

One day we will no longer fear the darkness, but until that day may God give us the faith that trusts his eternal presence both in the light and in the darkness.

Copyright 2015