Team Bible Reading and Sharing for May 2023

316Judith

Bible Reading

Colossians 3:12-14

Commentary Thoughts:

Dressed in Compassion

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12-14, ESV

My daughter is in fashion. She has had impeccable taste from the time she was a little girl. When she was three, she picked out a dress I had worn for years with constant compliments.

At eight years old, she went into my closet, pulled out every outfit with big shoulder pads, and told me I needed to get rid of them. Because of her, I am well-clothed and quite fashionable. (She still picks out more of my outfits!)

Spiritually, we also need to think about how we dress. How do we dress in our hearts, in our minds, in our attitudes, in our emotions, and our relationships? Are our thoughts, words, and decisions beautiful and flattering? How are we spiritually clothed?

The Bible suggests a few “clothing” items to include in our spiritual wardrobe:

Are we wearing kindness, humility, and patience?

Do we give others room to fail?

Do we forgive freely and often?

Do we remember how much God has forgiven us?

Are we wearing lots and lots of love?

Prayer– Lord, will you remind me to clothe myself with these wonderful traits each morning? I want to dress up with your mercy and grace daily. Because You have chosen me, I want to bring You much glory and honor.

Reflect– How’s your fashion? Are you a person who dresses well and always looks good? How about spiritually? Are there some items you need to add to your spiritual wardrobe?

316Judith

Psalm 23
Isaiah 40:31
Psalm 91

During my difficult appointment the Lord gave me these verse to meditate on He gave me His Strength and Grace to get through! God is Good! ❤️🙏😇

316Judith

Bible Reading

Romans 12
Key Verse: verse 15

Commentary Thoughts:

Happy Together

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15, ESV

It was the sweetest thing. After years of asking God to provide, I got a new (used) car. My friend, Barbara, who was also praying for a new car like mine, got an old van instead. She was thankful to have a working vehicle, but she truly wanted a little SUV like mine.

When it would have been easy to be jealous, my friend rejoiced with me. She got excited, hugged me, and sincerely was glad for God’s goodness with me. I know it must have been challenging, but it meant the world to me to have her rejoice while I was rejoicing.

Why is this such a hard thing for us to do for each other?

The Bible also tells us to weep with each other. I think that comes easier, but showing compassion, support, enthusiasm, and celebrating the good fortunes of others can be tough!

Think about it. How hard is it to celebrate when ...

they get the promotion we wanted?

the doors open for them suddenly?

their husband or wife gets a big raise?

they buy a new lake house, a boat, or both?

they head to some exotic destination—again?

they get a wonderful new spouse, baby, grandchild, or book deal?

You name the thing. Whatever “it” is for you - that thing you so desperately desire. Can you rejoice when someone else gets it? This is where it gets real and sometimes very hard.

Prayer– Lord, this is so hard. Especially with certain people, but I ask You to help me treat people the way I want to be treated. Enable me to give others what I’d like for them to give back to me.

Reflect –Ouch! This one cut so close to home for me. Maybe you too? Read back over the devotion and write a response. What is God showing you today?

316Judith

Bible Reading:

Colossians 3:1-16 (English Standard Version)

Commentary Thoughts: Filled to Overflowing

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16, ESV

It’s a huge water jug that holds 64 ounces of water. Mine is clear, and I fill it to the brim each night before bed. Sometimes, I set the bottle in the sink under the water to fill up, walking away.

When I come back to the sink, I often find the bottle overflowing with fresh, cold water. It’s spilling out all over the sink.

Filled to overflowing with fresh water spilling out all over the place, this is a beautiful picture of the Christian life. We are to have so much of Christ filling us up that we are overflowing with joy, hope, and wisdom.

When we let the message of Jesus, in all of its richness, flood our hearts, the overabundance will be amazing!

What will the overflow look like?

- We will teach, admonish, counsel, and instruct others with incredible insights.

- There will be a song on our hearts and maybe on our lips.

- Thankfulness to God will swell up within us.

- We will be filled to the brim with hope.

- So, how full are you today?

- Is your heart overflowing with the hope of Jesus?

- If so, wonderful!

- If not, why not?

**You can fill up with the fullness today.

Prayer– Father, I want to be filled up to overflowing with You, Your love, Your hope, and Your power. Would You fill me today? I need You and Your imprints of grace all over my life.

Reflect– As you think about my big water bottle overflowing in the sink with fresh water, can you relate? Are you a water drinker too? How about spiritually? How full are you of Jesus and His power? List 3-4 things you might do today to fill up more. (Pray, spend time in the Bible, read great inspirational books, listen to Christian music or podcasts).

Healthyme7410

this one is so good. It is so important to be aware of what we fill ourselves with. Is it envy, unloving, greedy, gossip or it it loving, kind, peaceful, joyful, etc. Spending more time in the word learning God's heart will help us discern what is good and what is not good.

316Judith

Thank you Linda, I sure enjoyed the reading too and yes it is important what we feed on!

Today’s Bible Reading

1 Peter 4:9

Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 1 Peter 4:9, ESV

Commentary and Thoughts:

Open Your Home and Your Heart

My childhood friend Kathy is a wonderful Bible teacher, mom, and wife. She also loves to open her home and have people over. One Sunday after church, Kathy and her family talked with another family in the parking lot. The conversation lasted for a while, and Kathy finally thought to invite the other family over for lunch.

However, all she could think to fix were grilled cheese sandwiches and popcorn. So, she threw out the invitation, and they readily accepted it. Over grilled cheese, popcorn, and iced water, the families had an awesome time of fellowship. After this event, Kathy concluded that people don’t care what you fix or how clean your house is. They want to be included and invited over.

What do you think? Do you think people like to be invited over? Do you?

The Bible tells us to cheerfully share a meal with those in need and offer them a place to stay. We are to open our homes to others without grumbling, but we often don’t. Perhaps we think it is too much trouble, too expensive, or we don’t have a nice enough house to host events.

What if we do it anyway?

Pray about it.
Plan something.
Set your budget.
Host a party, cookout, sit around a fire pit, or even have an outdoor movie night.
Quit overthinking it, and do it! Take the plunge and make someone else feel loved, invited, and included.

Prayer – Would You embolden me to reach out and be hospitable to others? Give me such a love for someone that I will invite them over. Help me get over anything holding me back. I want to love others because I love You!

Reflect – Think about the story of Kathy I shared. Would you be comfortable inviting someone over for grilled cheese and popcorn? What would you like to serve? Who could you invite? What sorts of things could you do together? Write some of these ideas down. Then, invite one friend or family over. (I dare you!)

316Judith

Bible Reading today:

Romans 12
Key Verse: Verse 10

Commentary Thoughts:

Genuine Affection

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10, ESV

Affection’s definition is a feeling of fondness for others. To be affectionate is caring, devoted, kind, tender, and gracious.

The Bible instructs us to love one another with brotherly affection. The Passion Translation puts it this way, “Be devoted to tenderly loving your fellow believers as members of one family.”

Additionally, we are to outdo each other by showing honor. We show esteem, dignity, attention, tribute, and praise when we show honor. To honor someone is to make them feel valued and special. As we show honor, we lift others.

What does this look like in our current day? What are some ways we can show affection and honor to the people in our lives?

1. Offer to pray for a friend and do it.
2. Ask someone how they are doing and give them the gift of real listening.
3. Give a friend a gift or a flower bouquet.
4. Invite someone for coffee or lunch.
5. Ask someone to go with you to church.
6. Host a game night, a football party, or a bonfire and invite guests.
7. Send a text or email to let someone know you are thinking of them.
8. Honor and affection don’t have to be grandiose or time-consuming, but intentionality is necessary. 9. Or these things will never happen!

Prayer – Lord, will You give me a greater awareness of others’ needs, hurts, and concerns? I want to be more affectionate, kind, and honoring with my actions, but I will need Your help to do so.

Reflect - Make a list of five people you will show affection and honor to today. Beside each name, list one way you can do this. For example, you may send five kind text messages – one to each person. Pray over these actions. Then, do them! Follow through. You will not only bless someone else, but you will also receive a blessing for your kindness. There is great joy in giving to others.

316Judith

Bible Reading:

Ephesians chapter 4
Key Verse Focus: Verses 1-3

Commentary Thoughts:

You’re Irregular People

I, therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3, ESV

Think about the people in your life right now - friends, family members, neighbors, co-workers, and others. Of these people, with whom do you most enjoy spending time? Which are the most challenging and difficult to get along?

We all have favorite friends, and we have challenging friends. We must treat them all with grace and bear with all of them.

Think about Jesus and the 12 disciples. Some of these guys were much easier to like than the others.

However, Jesus treated them all with humility and gentleness.

Pastor T.D. Jakes suggested no one knew who the “betrayer” was in the group of 12 because Jesus never treated Judas any different from the rest of the guys. Jesus knew Judas would betray Him, and He chose him anyway.

For three years of ministry, Jesus handled and cared for Judas with grace. The other 11 disciples never suspected Judas because Christ always treated him with such dignity.

That is what we must do as well. At Thanksgiving dinner, when we’re seated next to that relative who absolutely drives us nuts, we must show grace.

When confronted with the woman at church who makes us a little crazy, we are to deal with her in humility and grace. Why?

Because God tells us to bear with others and be eager to maintain peace and unity in the Spirit.

How do we possibly treat everyone with grace? Lots of prayer, lots of time in the Bible, and deep breaths!

Prayer– Father, would You help me treat my favorites and my challenging people with equal kindness this year—especially over the holiday. Close friends and family can sometimes be the hardest to get along with. I ask for extra grace this year.

Reflect –As we conclude today, I want to invite you to make two lists. In the first list, write down the 4 to 5 people you love and appreciate most. Write down the 4 to 5 people who bug you, test you, and challenge you the most in the second list. Now go back and pray for every single one of these people. Ask God to bless them and meet their deepest needs.

316Judith

Bible Reading:

Philippians chapter 2
Key Verse Focus: Verse 3

Commentary Thoughts:

Humility Matters

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3, ESV

I’m one of those girls who played basketball in high school. We had an amazing team with two unusually tall players. One girl was over 6’4” tall. It made us quite intimidating to other teams.

Our coach was a no-nonsense older man who showed little emotion. He often told us we needed to make it our ambition to focus only on him and the players on the court. Tune out the fans, tune out the band, tune out the cheerleaders, and focus solely on the game and his instructions.

This kind of focus taught us to be champions on the basketball court.

In our relationships, we also need to have purpose and focus. Instead of living ourselves, our ambitions, and our fame, we are to count others as more important than us. We are not only to look out for ourselves and our interests but also for the interests of others.

How can we possibly do this? I’ve found that extra time focused on Jesus (my heavenly Coach) helps me succeed in my earthly relationships. What does this look like?

First, I regularly talk things and people over with God.

Second, I’m honest about how I feel and what is challenging with others. We discuss everyone and everything.

Third, I check in during the day when people issues arise.

Pastor Adrian Rogers had some great advice when dealing with others,

“Keep your gaze on Jesus, and your glance on everyone and everything else.”

Prayer– Father, would You help me live to impress You most of all? Would You then give me the strength to look out for the interests of others?

This is never easy. Thank You for helping me to love humbly.

Reflect- Complete this sentence. I can gaze at Jesus more readily and more easily by …

316Judith

Bible Reading:

Romans 13
Key Verse Focus: Verse 8

Commentary Thoughts

Don’t Owe Anyone Anything

Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8, ESV

Years ago, we were invited to water ski, innertube, and swim at the lake with our friends Mike and Shan. They had a beautiful lake house and boat, and they would often invite us to come and hang out. In addition to the boat, they also had a Jet Ski I loved to drive.

Unfortunately, on one of these lake trips, as I was trying to park the Jet Ski, I bumped against the dock and broke off one of the side mirrors. Then, as I turned to park the machine, I broke off the other side mirror—two mirrors broken on one trip. (Incidentally, the mirrors were recovered but had to be reattached by a mechanic).

Mike and Shan, gracious as always, told me not to worry about it. I felt awful, but I let it ride.

However, a few months ago, the whole incident came back to mind as I read a book on making amends. Although not requested by them, I looked up the cost of these mirrors and wrote my friends a check. I sent a letter with my apologies, letting them know I wanted to make things right again.

Even though I knew they didn’t need or expect the money, it made me feel better to pay back my friends.

Could I invite you to take an inventory today?

Do you owe anyone money? Could you begin to pay them back today?

Do you still have someone’s tools, chairs, dishes, or other items? Can you return them?

Do you have some other debt you could repay? A service? A kindness?

Why not pray over these things? Then, make amends. It feels so good to get things right!

Prayer– Father, reveal to me anything I need to make right today. Show me if I owe anyone anything at all. I only want to owe love and honor, nothing else.

Reflect– Look back over the inventory questions today. Write out your answers in the space below. Then, pray about each situation. If possible, begin to repay and make all of your restorations today. You will experience so much freedom as you do this!

316Judith

Bible Reading:

John 8:3-11
John 8:45-59

Commentary Thoughts by Tony Evans from the Reading entitled The Great “I Am”

Jesus is God’s selfie. We all know what a selfie is in our culture today. But, in case you don’t, a selfie is when someone takes a picture of themself. Pretty self-explanatory (no pun intended). Now, a selfie can include other people, but it has to include the person taking the photo. If someone off the street takes a picture of you, it can’t be considered a selfie. Why? Because a selfie always reflects the image of the person taking the photo.

Jesus is God’s selfie. He is the exact representation and manifestation of God Himself.

He isn’t just a friend. He isn’t part of the group hopping into the photo. Jesus is God’s selfie. God is invisible to us in His essence.

Our finite beings cannot comprehend or see Him, or it would vaporize us. We cannot know His heart, His person and His character intimately because He is the wholly Other who sits outside our realm of understanding.

But out of God’s great love for us, He desired to be known by us. He wanted to be seen by us. So, in order to do that, He had to come to us in a form and fashion that we would be able to understand.

He had to be both man and God simultaneously, which, although this gave us a greater glimpse into who God is, also created a larger gap for those who would not believe.

In John 8:48-59, we come across my favorite name of Jesus. It is the name, “I Am.”

When Jesus introduced this name to us at this moment in history, He drew many in closer to God. But He also pushed many more away. This is a name you cannot halfway embrace. Either Jesus is “I Am,” or He is a liar. You may think that is a harsh word to use about Jesus, but even He says He is a liar if this is not true (John 8:55).

The context of the name “I Am” shows up in the midst of a heated discussion.

Not long before, Jesus had forgiven the adulterous woman and driven away a number of angry, hypocritical and judgmental men who sought to stone her. His miracles of healing and driving out demons had given Him a reputation by this time.

Jesus was someone to be reckoned with, yet not everyone knew how or where to place Him. Was He a good man doing good things? Was He of the devil using demonic powers?

Was He… God? Consider for a moment how Jesus must have felt during this heated discussion that we read in John 8:48-59.

Jews and Pharisees encircled Him and pounded Him with questions and accusations. Words became harsh, quickly.

One person accused Him of having a demon. To which Jesus unloaded a soliloquy of sorts, a somewhat personal reflection, but also for the benefit of the others.

After all, Jesus was speaking to those He came to redeem. The sins He would carry on the cross were their sins.

Not only that, but the blood that coursed through their veins was blood He created. The skin that held their organs in place was skin He held together. The air they breathed was air He made and preserved each and every day.

It was His genius that prepared a place in
which humanity could live, food could be produced and regeneration could occur.

It was His strength that held the stars at bay so that they would not tumble too close and destroy the planet. His energy infused the sun. He gave life to each person standing there…

316Judith

Bible Reading:

Colossians 3:16
1 Corinthians 11:1

Commentary Thoughts: by Tony Evans and in part by me, Judith

We have news that is too good not to share!

Sharing kingdom principles with others shouldn’t only happen in the context of small group settings where we speak about our own spiritual adventures. If we want these life lessons to root themselves deeply in the lives of others, they must experience these truths for themselves.

Discipleship doesn’t take place only through discourse. It comes through relationships, partnering, and doing life together. Yet it seems that we often get so focused on group studies, weekly meetings, and programs that we have neglected this truth. We have forgotten what will bring about the outcomes we desire and so desperately need.

Too often we expect those we influence—whether they are men “or in my case Women” we disciple, our adult children, teens or those we serve with who are younger in the faith—to be changed by simply hearing about what God has done for us.

Somehow, we think, our stories will build their faith. “God did this for me,” we might say to others, and expect that to do the trick.

But kingdom discipleship doesn’t work that way. We can’t just spoon feed others with the truth.

We need to help them experience God for themselves.

316Judith

Bible Reading:

2 Timothy 2:2
Hebrews 4:16

Commentary Thoughts:

How do we share our story so that others can find the new life we have found in Christ? It’s a process, not just a one-time experience that we memorialize.

We’ve all seen what happens to unattended memorials. They get overgrown with weeds. In fact, most of us don’t even know the stories behind a lot of the memorials we see.

Trophy cases can get stuffed with prizes, but the awards just end up covered in dust. Life goes on, and we forget to even look at them anymore.

But kingdom men must never forget what God has done. Kingdom men are to have a transferable faith through engaged communication, rather than memorials to the past, trophies, or stones of remembrance stacked high.

Our testimony needs to come from our hearts, be fresh on our lips, and practically impact the lives of those with whom we have contact.

We are facing a massive failure in transferring our values to the next generation.

We have neglected to have the long conversations which speak of both our spiritual victories and our spiritual struggles and failures.

We have neglected to go into the specific details of the lessons we’ve learned through our sins.

While we might have pointed out our miracle moments and said, “Look what God did,” those success stories are not adequate for discipling someone. Because that’s not the whole story.

If we hide our past pains and sins, we don’t end up teaching much of anything at all. As a result, we fail to empower those who come after us in
moving forward into their own experience of God.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Psalm 36:5
Lamentations 3: 22-23

Commentary Thoughts:
DAY 1: EL EMUNAH – THE FAITHFUL GOD

We like to think we’re faithful people. We get to work on time (well, usually) and do our job with diligence. We make time for family and friends. We’re involved in our church and sign up for committees and volunteer opportunities.

But no matter how hard we try to be faithful, we’re not perfect. Inevitably, we’re going to miss a meeting or skip a child’s soccer game or forget about that volunteer assignment.

Because we can’t always be faithful people, it’s reassuring to know that we serve a faithful God. His name El Emunah means “the faithful God,” and He can always be counted on to show up, roll up His sleeves and get to work in our lives.

Always keeps His promises? Check. Always hears our prayers? Check. Always remains with us? Check.

Things happen in our lives that keep us from being totally faithful to others. Because we’re human, we’re tempted to make choices based on our own self-preservation, selfishness and greed.

Quite simply, we can’t be perfect all the time. But when we don’t show up, God does. And He gently guides us back to the work He has especially for us to do—the work of being faithful and showing up for others.

When we turn to His perfection in our times of imperfection, His faithfulness transforms us.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Hebrews 4:16
Ephesians 2:4-5

Commentary Thoughts:

DAY 2: ELOHE CHASEDDI – GOD OF MERCY

Life doesn’t always guarantee us second chances. There are times when our poor decisions—harsh words spoken to a friend, mistakes made on the job, life choices that aren’t healthy—cost us. We lose the friendship. We’re dismissed from our job. Our health suffers. Even if we have a change of heart, there’s no assurance that everything will be okay.

God’s mercy, though, gives us second chance after second chance. Elohe Chaseddi—God of mercy— showers us with forgiveness and bathes us with lovingkindness.

He is always truthful. Always merciful. Always compassionate. If we love Him and ask Him for His forgiveness, He grants it. Always.

Because He is a God of mercy, we can live unafraid. We always have access to the peace of mind and heart that He so freely gives in abundance. He promises to always be with us and to bring us through every troubling situation and every difficult season.

Even when the mistakes are of our own doing, He is forever willing to offer forgiveness to a repentant heart.

Instead of worrying about yesterday, God wants us to focus on today.

How can we serve Him today?

What plans does He have for us to accomplish today?

How can we share Him with others today?

That’s the beauty of mercy—second chances, looking ahead, with a focus on the future He has for us.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Matthew 7:11
Philippians 4:19

Commentary Thoughts:

DAY 3: JEHOVAH JIREH – THE LORD WILL PROVIDE

You’re uncertain of how you’re going to pay your bills this month. The status of your relationship is up in the air. You’ve heard that job cuts are coming at work, and your position with the company is uncertain. When the basics of life are at stake—health, finances, shelter, food, family, employment—it’s natural to feel terrified, as if you have nowhere to turn.

That’s when you need to call on Jehovah Jireh. This blessed name of God means “the Lord will provide,” and it’s a name filled with power and might.

When we feel fearful about our future, it’s imperative that we turn to God and call on His name. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him, and there’s no limit to the gifts and blessings He provides.

Putting our faith in Him can sometimes be the only way to calm our fears and maintain a positive mindset.

It can be a hard lesson to learn, but trials here on earth strengthen our spiritual muscles and draw us closer to God.

Through our struggles, He shows us firsthand how He provides air for our lungs to breathe and light for our eyes to see.

He gives us exactly what we need to produce the greatest growth in us and the most far-reaching impact for His kingdom. And He always gives it in a spirit of love.

316Judith

Bible Reading:

Deuteronomy 4:24
Hebrews 12:28-29

DAY 4: ESH OKLAH – CONSUMING FIRE

Have you ever witnessed the destruction wrought by a forest fire? It consumes everything in its path, jumping quickly over roads and bridges and even rivers. Now imagine a consuming fire that is larger than the universe, and you’ll begin to get a small glimpse of the power of God.

We should have respect for God’s overwhelming power, but we also need to remember that He is a highly personal God who cares deeply for us. And because of this, He is a God who deserves our praise and worship at all times. We shouldn’t take Him lightly, but we also shouldn’t be afraid to cry out to Him and to enter into a relationship with Him.

God’s magnitude can be hard to reckon with, as can His attention to every detail of our lives. How can so mighty a being be so concerned with the seeming trivialities of our lives? It’s because He cares about us so deeply. And that’s why we need to allow His consuming fire to blaze strong in our hearts.

He is Esh Oklah, a consuming fire, but a fire filled with grace and patience and compassion. He draws us to Him with the goal of us making Him first in our hearts, minds and souls. And in the midst of the fire, He cultivates love in our hearts.

316Judith

Bible Reading

1 John 2:29
James 3:18

Commentary Notes

DAY 5: ELOHE TSADEKI – GOD OF MY RIGHTEOUSNESS

We’re always looking for the next big thing. The secret to becoming organized. The key to getting in shape. The surefire plan to financial stability. We read books, listen to podcasts and sign up for seminars. And while organization, physical fitness and financial security are all worthy pursuits, we need to make sure we’re not missing the big picture when we’re seeking the next big thing.

The main point of life is to follow God, to become like Him and live our lives for Him. And becoming like God means growing in goodness and righteousness. From the Lord flows mercy, grace, might and strength—all qualities we need in our lives and in our world. God gives us all we need through His Word and Spirit to live in abundant joy. When we choose His desires over our own and strive to become more like Him, He guides and directs us.

Following God’s plan may be more challenging than sticking with six easy steps to getting fit or ten ways to cut the clutter in your home. But it’s also far more rewarding. When we turn to God and hand our lives over to Him, He forgives us and gifts us with His compassion. He helps mend our broken relationships and fills our hearts with righteousness, grace and peace. Good fruit comes from following God and allowing His righteousness to guide our steps.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Romans 15:13
Nehemiah 8:10

DAY 6: EL SIMCHATH GILI – GOD MY EXCEEDING JOY

Think about the joy you experience when you master something for the first time. Perhaps you learned a foreign language well enough to finally be able to communicate with native speakers in another country. Or you put in mile after mile and finally crossed the finish line of a marathon.

Maybe you’ve been trying for years to earn your college degree, and you finally step up on that stage to collect your diploma. You feel a plethora of emotions, but joy is always at the forefront.

All good things come from God, and He rejoices in all good things. He is the only and true source of joy, and when we put our trust in Him, we can experience joy in all our circumstances.

We can have joy in the midst of struggle, if our hope is in the Lord.

The mistake we often make is seeking joy outside of God. When we value ourselves according to someone else’s opinion of us or the salary we earn or our social position, we miss out on real joy.

We miss the joy in the journey, the joy of discovery, the joy of a heart open to God. And we also miss the incredible opportunity to share the joy of the Lord with others.

But when we’re filled with the joy that comes from God, we radiate love and pleasure to those around us and know true joy.

316Judith

Bible Reading:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

Commentary Thoughts:

Here is Paul the preacher again. Though it almost seems as if he is nearing the end of his sermon, he has a lot more to say.

He peppers the Thessalonians with short command, trusting the Holy Spirit to put meat on those bones and help them apply the commands more specially.

Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything… Don’t stifle the Spirit...Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.

The commands are simple, but following them certainly isn’t! The only way we can constantly give thanks and rejoice is by knowing that God is
working something out in our lives.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Psalm 107:1-9

Commentary Thoughts

The psalmist recalls how God cared for his people in the Wilderness when they cried out to him (107:4-6).

He rescued them and led them (107:6-7).

Thus, the psalmist calls the people of God to thank him for his faithful love–the love he expresses toward those in covenant with him (107:8).

Such knowledge should cause God’s people
today to praise him and look to him for
deliverance in their own times of trouble.

316Judith

Bible Reading

Philippians chapter 4

Key verses:
Verse 4 to 7

Commentary Thoughts

Prayer can often feel frustrating–like when you go
to a soda machine, put in your money, punch the button, and nothing comes out. But thinking of it in those terms causes us to miss how prayer works.

God wants us to make requests “with thanksgiving.” Of course, when you have a problem and it isn’t going away, giving thanks is not at the top of your priorities list.

But Paul’s telling us to give thanks, not for the problem itself but for the God we are inviting into our specific problem.

Offering thanks is a demonstration of faith in God’s goodness and provision despite what we see.

316Judith

Bible Reading:

Psalm 95:1-5

Commentary Thoughts:

Because God is the rock of our salvation, believers ought to shout joyfully to him corporately (95:1).

Our praise is rooted in God’s power to save us. He alone is a great King above all gods because he is the Creator of all things–the mountain peaks...the sea...the dry land (95:3-5).

When people in the ancient world came into the presence of kings to whom they were subjected, they would bring gifts.

When we enter our King’s presence, the gift we bring is thanksgiving (95:2) for who he is, what he
has done, and what we are trusting him to do.

316Judith

Bible Reading:

Psalm 100:1-4

Commentary Thoughts:

The people in the psalmist’s day were commanded to enter his gates and courts.

Though we do not go to a temple today, we are similarly commanded to enter into his presence.

What is the password for entrance? Thanksgiving and praise.

No matter what your circumstances, give thanks to him and bless his name because there’s always a reason to thank God. And doing so will transform you.

316Judith

Bible Reading

John 4:5-26

Living Water

You may remember waking up from surgery thirsty. Depending on your procedure, you may have gone several hours without water. So, it’s natural to wake up with only one thought on your mind.

Water.

However, even after quenching this thirst, we all know this is only temporary. We will be thirsty yet again tomorrow. But what if there was a way to quench this thirst forever?

In John 4, we see Jesus present this exact question to, ironically, a woman gathering water at a well.

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Jesus informs this woman that, not only will she never have to thirst again, but she herself will become a spring of water. So not only will her thirst be quenched by this water, she will be overflowing with a spring within herself. He recognizes the thirst, the need, within this woman and poses an eternal solution.

And the water Jesus is referring to is Him. Only Jesus can quench our thirsty spiritual souls. While we may find temporary restoration with things of this world, we can only find an eternal thirst-quenching spring in and through God.

During this time of recovery, it can be easy to become focused on our physical needs while overlooking our spiritual needs. Take this recovery downtime to focus on quenching your spiritual thirst.

Do you view Jesus as your living water?

Do you believe that He can create in you a spring of water?

Are you trying to quench your physical thirst before your spiritual thirst?