Tag: trust in God

November 20, 2025

November 20th, 2025

Thursday – Letters

Reading – 1 Timothy 3

Highlight Verse:

“These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”
‭‭I Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

A pillar moment

is a time when God moved in such a way that the people came away encouraged, empowered, and anointed. In the Old Testament, God had the people erect pillars so they could look and remember the great ways that God changed them.

This word stood out to me because we recently became involved in a new church plant named, you guessed it, Pillar Church.

The mission of our church is to be a place where those pillar moments happen every week.

Regardless of where we attend church, we should go anticipating the movement of God to change our lives.

When we are willing to accept the Holy Spirit’s involvement in our lives, we not only have those moments at church, but we bring them home. It is then that we get the joy of seeing God move in every part of our lives and the lives of those around us.

Whether that sounds wonderful and too radical, try it.

If you trust God, how bad could it be?

Are you challenged when you attend a church service?
Are you open to taking on those challenges and letting God change you?
November 19, 2025

November 19th, 2025

Wednesday – History

Reading – 2 Samuel 23-24

Highlight Verse:

““Take it, my Lord the king, and use it as you wish,” Araunah said to David. “Here are oxen for the burnt offering, and you can use the threshing boards and ox yokes for wood to build a fire on the altar.”
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭24‬:‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This passage raises two glaring questions for me.

Who is Araunah and why did he act so generously toward David?

The passage points out that he was a Jebusite.

In other words, he was a resident of Jebus, the city on that site before Jerusalem came.

So, he was one of the people who were conquered by the Israelites when they took over the city a couple decades prior. He was a Canaanite.

He was not only allowed to stay but was treated with respect by King David.

Why was he generous?

Some would say it was out of fear of King David. In fact, that was my first impression.

Then I realized that he knew the importance of the sacrifices that needed to be made at his threshing floor.

He was a true believer in God.

He was willing to give whatever was needed to please God.

We all know the story of David saying that he wouldn’t sacrifice that which cost him nothing.

It was his wrongdoing. It had to be his sacrifice to correct it.

Araunah understood and accepted David’s payment.

What is the takeaway from this passage?

I believe Araunah would teach us the importance of sacrificial faith even in the face of great loss.

He would also teach us to be sensitive to the needs of others, even when they are unusual.

Have you ever been faced with the decision to give sacrificially?
Did you go through with it, or did God provide another way?
November 16, 2025

November 16th, 2025

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Psalms 140-143

Highlight Verses:

“O Lord, rescue me from evil people. Protect me from those who are violent, those who plot evil in their hearts and stir up trouble all day long.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭140‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT

Today I’m thankful for protection against evil.

‬‬I like to find the good in people.

That doesn’t always work.

Consider this – at one point, fully a third of the world’s population was guilty of murder.

Of course there were only 3 people on Earth, but that’s because Cain murdered Abel.

Not a very auspicious beginning.

Sure, the murder rate is nowhere that high anymore, but the honest truth is, we all have a tendency toward evil.

Many mask that evil behind masks of relativism (I’m not as bad as them) or tolerance (I was made this way so you’re no better than me).

The only true way to defeat evil is through the sacrifice of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.

We are all drawn toward evil, but the sacrifice of Jesus rescued us from that evil.

The Holy Spirit supplies power that makes overcoming evil possible.

What do you do to avoid evil people?
How have you seen God protect you from evil?
November 15, 2025

November 15th, 2025

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – Philippians 4:10-20

Highlight Verse:

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Today I am thankful for the same thing as the original pilgrims – God’s provision.

I’ve never been wealthy by American standards.

In fact, I’ve been terribly close to broke on multiple occasions.

But I’ve never gone truly hungry nor have I had to declare bankruptcy.

Every time I’ve wondered how I was going to pay the bills, God has worked things out for me. Sometimes with extra work, sometimes with the generosity of people around me, sometimes with mysterious unexpected provision. Occasionally, a little financial wisdom has come in handy.

While I don’t want to make this about generosity, I must share that the best blessing has been giving consistently even when the budget seems impossible.

God has honored every gift we have given with provision – not always like we expected but always what has worked out the best.

While we are reasonably comfortable now, the lessons I’ve learned throughout my life make me confident that God will provide for the rest of our lives.

In what ways has God brought unexpected provision to you?
Do you trust Him to provide today?
November 12, 2025

November 12th, 2025

Wednesday – History

Reading – 2 Samuel 21-22

Highlight Verses:

“He sang: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence.”
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭22‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This Psalm of David is inserted here near the end of his life.

David looked back over his life and saw all the times God stepped in and protected him.

As a warrior king, those times were numerous.

And for that, David gave thanks.

I wouldn’t say I’m near the end of my life but I’ve lived long enough to be thankful for the Lord’s protection and provision.

There was the time at age 14 when I foolishly rode my bike from San Mateo to San Francisco and back, passing through dangerous neighborhoods, a protest at City Hall, and exposure to traffic.

Or the time a semi truck came around a curve in my lane on a narrow two lane highway in the mountains of North Carolina. I firmly believe God guided my little car right into that tiny space next to the guard rail as the truck flew past.

Or when my van’s engine blew up late at night on the Pennsylvania Turnpike as I was moving here to Colorado. God provided everything I needed to complete the move.

These are a tiny sampling of the times when God stepped in and protected and provided for me. I’m sure there were many more I never knew about.

For all of them, I am eternally thankful.

When in your history has God protected or provided for you far beyond normal?
How can we all show our thanks for these instances?
November 11, 2025

November 11th, 2025

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Exodus 23

Highlight Verses:

““If you come upon your enemy’s ox or donkey that has strayed away, take it back to its owner. If you see that the donkey of someone who hates you has collapsed under its load, do not walk by. Instead, stop and help.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭23‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I once ticked off a coworker inadvertently.

It’s a long irrelevant story but, suffice it to say, he did everything he could to snub me and undermine me at work.

While I couldn’t fully understand his reasoning, I made an effort to be friendly and helpful whenever I could.

It took over a year, but eventually, we were on friendly terms.

I wouldn’t call us besties but, in the end, we got along pretty well.

I don’t know if that is exactly what these verses are talking about.

I do know that God wants us to treat everyone with respect and generosity.

Everyone.

Including those we don’t get along with.

Maybe especially those we don’t get along with.

Both Jesus and Paul confirmed this in the New Testament. (Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:20).

Is there someone who could use your help that you have been avoiding?
What would happen if you started helping them?
November 7, 2025

November 7th, 2025

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Lamentations 5

Highlight Verses:

“Restore us, O Lord, and bring us back to you again! Give us back the joys we once had! Or have you utterly rejected us? Are you angry with us still?”
‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭5‬:‭21‬-‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

These are the final words of the Lament.

But they are not the last word on God’s relationship with us.

This book has an unfortunate end before the return from exile.

But the return happened.

And later, God Himself came in the form of Jesus.

And Jesus made the sacrifice that gives us the ability to enjoy new life with God.

It may be cliché but the saying “if it’s not good, then it’s not over” applies to every believer’s life.

If we trust in God, He will make a way for us to live fulfilling lives culminating in a heavenly eternity (literally).

Can you relate to the laments in this book?
Do you know the peace and joy of trusting in God?
Do you trust Him to turn your mourning into dancing? (Psalm 30:11)
November 5, 2025

November 5th, 2025

Wednesday – History

Reading – 2 Samuel 19-20

Highlight Verse:

“One of Joab’s young men shouted to Amasa’s troops, “If you are for Joab and David, come and follow Joab.””
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭20‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We never know his name,

but this young man may have been the biggest factor in David’s complete return to power.

Joab and Abishai had already left in pursuit of the rebellious Sheba.

They apparently didn’t even think of the confusion Amasa’s body would cause.

Our anonymous young hero saw the problem.

He could have said, “Not my problem,” and moved on.

He could have asked an officer what to do.

But to him it was obvious. Those recruited by Amasa would obviously be confused by his corpse on the trail, so he took it upon himself to do the dirty work of moving and covering the body.

While we never learn his name, his deeds will always be remembered.

That’s the ideal that Jesus spoke of in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:3-4).

If we want rewards in heaven for our good deeds, we shouldn’t brag about them here on Earth.

Without mentioning names, what good deeds have you seen done around you?
What are ways that we can remain anonymous while performing good deeds?
Friday – Prophets

October 31st, 2025

Reading – Lamentations 4

Highlight Verse:

“We looked in vain for our allies to come and save us, but we were looking to nations that could not help us.”
‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭4‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Years ago, I moved my mom from Illinois to here in the Denver area.

She didn’t have all that much stuff. It fit easily in a small rental moving truck. A few of her relatives helped us load it up.

I looked forward to the help from the several people who said to give them I a call when we back and they would help us.

When we got here, each helper backed out except one high school student.

We got her moved in, but it was a long frustrating day.

I don’t blame the people who couldn’t help. I will assume that each of their excuses were valid. No grudges here.

But it gave me a tiny taste of what the Israelites went through.

They put their trust in nations that had their own purposes in mind instead of the God whose purpose was to protect and prosper them.

How often do we do that?

We look for satisfaction to things that only demand more from us.

We give our devotion to ideas that make us feel good but offer no substance.

We ignore the creator of the universe because the lies of the destroyer feel better to us.

For the Israelites, it took the exile to come back to a place of devotion to God.

For many, it takes hitting rock bottom to turn to the rescuing arm of the Savior.

The wise course is to place your trust on the only one who is truly one hundred percent on your side.

On whom have you placed your trust?
What did it take to get you there?
October 29, 2025

October 29th, 2025

Wednesday – History

Reading – 2 Samuel 17-18

Highlight Verse:

“During the battle, Absalom happened to come upon some of David’s men. He tried to escape on his mule, but as he rode beneath the thick branches of a great tree, his hair got caught in the tree. His mule kept going and left him dangling in the air.”
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭18‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

If it weren’t for the macabre scene to follow, this verse would be hilarious.

When you take a look at the whole story, it borders on bizarre.

You can’t make this stuff up (more proof the Bible is real).

And that is what real life looks like.

Okay, hopefully you haven’t been royally betrayed by your son who proceeded to do all sorts of heinous things to spite you.

But humans are unpredictable, illogical and selfish.

You will be offended by what some people do or say.

You will be betrayed by others.

At times, you will react unwisely to what they do to you or what gets done to them.

Just ask David.

He had to deal with humanity in himself and those around him.

Sometimes he failed.

But he never failed to turn back to God.

When those around us start acting a little too “human,” or you do the same, remember that David always turned back to God.

He looked forward to the redemption that was to come through Jesus.

On this side of Jesus sacrifice it should be easy to trust the God who helps us survive our humanity.

What was your initial reaction to Absalom’s demise?
If you were in David’s shoes, how would you have reacted to the news of Absalom’s death?

Tag: trust in God

A pillar moment

Regardless of where we attend church, we should go anticipating the movement of God to change our lives.

Whether that sounds wonderful and too radical, try it.

Who is Araunah and why did he act so generously toward David?

He was willing to give whatever was needed to please God.

Today I’m thankful for protection against evil.

Consider this – at one point, fully a third of the world’s population was guilty of murder.

The only true way to defeat evil is through the sacrifice of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit supplies power that makes overcoming evil possible.

Today I am thankful for the same thing as the original pilgrims – God’s provision.

God has honored every gift we have given with provision – not always like we expected but always what has worked out the best.

And for that, David gave thanks.

For all of them, I am eternally thankful.

I once ticked off a coworker inadvertently.

It took over a year, but eventually, we were on friendly terms.

I do know that God wants us to treat everyone with respect and generosity.

These are the final words of the Lament.

But they are not the last word on God’s relationship with us.

It may be cliché but the saying “if it’s not good, then it’s not over” applies to every believer’s life.

We never know his name,

Our anonymous young hero saw the problem.

That’s the ideal that Jesus spoke of in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:3-4).

But it gave me a tiny taste of what the Israelites went through.

We ignore the creator of the universe because the lies of the destroyer feel better to us.

The wise course is to place your trust on the only one who is truly one hundred percent on your side.

If it weren’t for the macabre scene to follow, this verse would be hilarious.

But humans are unpredictable, illogical and selfish.

On this side of Jesus sacrifice it should be easy to trust the God who helps us survive our humanity.