Category: Devotional

Devotional: But Ask the Beasts (Job 12:7–9)

On By Janine TuggleIn Animals, Devotional, Job, Matthew, Old Testament, Wisdom Literature 
“But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you... and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?” (Job 12:7, 8b, 9).

As we read about different animals in the Bible, we see that God made animals for us to learn from them many great and valuable lessons in life. Animals have distinct characteristics that can show us how humans should behave.

Jesus taught truths using these animals in the form of similes. 

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

We observe from the characteristics of these animals, that sheep are vulnerable to predators, such as wolves. The sheep are without protection. Wolves are hunters on the prowl. They will devour innocent sheep in a heartbeat. Serpents are considered wise with sly and cunning maneuvers. Snakes will move slowly through new territory. Usually, they stay concealed finding a place to hide.

Doves were designed with innocent, meek, and gentle qualities. They are birds known to be non-threatening. When Jesus sent his disciples out to teach the world, He compared them to sheep amid wolves. Jesus knew there would be people out there, who would attack them for their proclaimed message.

How does a person become wise as a serpent and innocent as a dove? It does sound as if the two do not mix. To be wise is to be practical, prudent, and discerning regarding relationships.

  • Be wise in keeping yourself innocent.
  • Be practical in keeping yourself away from the evil in the world.
  • Be prudent in how you manage yourself around others.

Know when to turn away and hide like that wise snake when others want to lead you into temptation.

Sing: “How Great Thou Art“

Devotional: All God’s Creatures (Genesis 1:30)

On By Janine TuggleIn Animals, Devotional, Genesis, Old Testament, Proverbs, Psalms, Theology 
“And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food” (Genesis 1:30).

We may wonder why God created all the different animals. We read in Genesis 1 that God created the sea creatures and the birds that fly in the air on the fifth day. On the sixth day, He created every living creature that “creeps” on the ground.

Every animal shows God’s glory and is a glory to God. He gave man instructions and responsibility to have dominion over all creeping things on the earth. This does not mean ownership; it is about stewardship. Man is to take care of the animals.

According to one source, over 120 animal species are mentioned in the Bible. Animals show God’s creativity. There are many large and many small. Some are beautiful and some are strange; some have many legs. Some have none.

Animals have been used as a teaching tool, for example:

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest” (Proverbs 6:6–8).

Animals have been used to accomplish God’s will. He used animals with the 10 plagues. He used a great fish when Jonah was swallowed by it. God caused a donkey to speak so Balaam would obey Him. He sent quail to provide food for the Israelites and ravens to bring bread and meat to Elijah.

These are just a few examples of what we can read and learn from animals. In the next few weeks, we will learn more interesting tidbits and lessons from animals mentioned in the Bible.

“Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all deeps. . . . Beasts and all livestock, creeping things and flying birds!” (Psalm 148:7, 10).

Hymn: “All Things Bright and Beautiful“

Devotional: Doves (Genesis 8:8)

On By Janine TuggleIn Animals, Devotional, Doves, Genesis, John, Luke, Mark, Matthew, New Testament, Old Testament 
“Then he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters had subsided from the face of the ground.” (Genesis 8:8)

The dove, a beautiful bird with a lovely cooing sound is one of God’s creatures that has many symbols. We find many of them in the Bible.

Let us learn a little bit about the nature of doves. Doves, turtle doves (a dainty dove), and pigeons (larger in size) are from the order Columbiformes family of birds. A dove’s eyes are on the sides of their head, having a 340° vision. They can see in front and in back at the same time. This is necessary for an animal of prey to watch out for predators.

Doves can fly up to speeds of fifty-five mph.

Doves will only descend when they know it is safe and trust where it will land. Once a dove starts its descent, it doesn’t have the ability to go in reverse.

We first read of the dove in Genesis 8:9. After Noah sent out a raven, he sent out a dove. It flew to and fro, then came back after no place to land. Seven days went by, and Noah sent the dove out again. This time by evening the dove brought back an olive branch. This is where the symbol of hope, peace, and a new beginning came from.

In the gospel accounts we read that the Holy Spirit descended as a dove when Jesus was baptized. 

“The heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him” (Matthew 3:16b; cf. Mark 1:10, Luke 3:22, John 1:32).

When Jesus was baptized the Holy Spirit came down and rested upon Jesus to stay. Just as when we are baptized, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, there is trust. And I say, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest” (Psalm 55:6). A symbol of peace.

Hymn: “I’ll Fly Away”

Devotional: The Beast of Burden (Zechariah 9:9)

On By Janine TuggleIn Devotional, Old Testament, the prophets, Zechariah 
“Behold, your king is coming to you; . . . humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9b)

The donkey is an amazingly strong animal. Through centuries this animal has aided in people’s burdens. In today’s world, especially here in America, the donkey is not thought of as a special animal. It is thought of as dumb or stubborn and is used as the brunt end of jokes or name-calling.

Throughout the Bible, people rode donkeys for everyday travel. When kings rode a donkey, it was a symbol of peace. Opposed to riding a horse which was a symbol for war.

We read when Abraham took his son Isaac for an offering he took along a donkey. 

“So, Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him.” (Genesis 22:3)

Saddling the donkey and cutting the wood for the burnt offering, it is probable that the donkey carried the wood and other supplies until they got to the place where Abraham gave Isaac the wood to carry.

Besides supplies, often the donkey was used to carry food. “And Jesse took a donkey laden with bread and a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them by David his son to Saul” (1 Samuel 16:20).

Then later on in the time of Jesus, He fulfills the prophecy of our text in Zechariah 9:9b showing that He is King and that He comes in peace.

It is very interesting that the donkey in the Old Testament carries the bread and wine. Also, a donkey carries Jesus, and the scriptures say, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35).

As stated in an earlier devotional on “God’s Creatures,” all of God’s creatures were made for His glory and in His glory.

Hymn: “To God Be The Glory”

Devotional: May the Spirit be with You (2 Corinthians 13:13)

On By Jovan PayesIn 1 Peter, Devotional, General Letters, New Testament, Peter's Letters

The closing words of 2 Corinthians bestow a profound wish for its Christian audience. The passage reads, 

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.” (2 Corinthians 13:13)

This is more than a simple feature of Greco-Roman letter-writing etiquette; it is a call upon the full presence of God. The closing verse is also an affirmation of the biblical concept of the Trinity. Finally, we will consider the unique emphasis of “the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.”

The Presence of God

As with most ancient letters of the New Testament period, 2 Corinthians ends with a cordial farewell wish. The wish is ultimately that the Christians in Corinth would bask in the triune blessings which accompany the Lord Jesus Christ, God, and the Holy Spirit.

This is emphasized by the phrase, “be with all of you”; or, in an alternative translation, “be within your company.” Paul sends forth, then, a blessing to his brethren that the church in Corinth is accompanied by grace, love, and community. God does not only gives us blessings; in truth, we live our lives under the influence of their presence.

Grace, love, and community express the ways the church experiences the presence of God, to experience what the gospel is all about. When we fail to exhibit grace, love, and community, we fail to experience the blessings Paul longed to see. The church needs to be vigilant so that it does not forget its purpose: to be a place where forgiven people help others experience God’s grace, love, and community.

The Trinity Affirmed

The apostolic testimony to the Trinity is clear and strong. Peter describes the Christians in Asia Minor as “elect exiles” in keeping with the Godhead (1 Peter 1:2):

To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood." (1 Peter 1:1–2)

In Matthew’s record of Jesus’ immersion by John (3:13–17), the narrative demonstrates the presence of God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus converging at that moment (3:16-17). Likewise, in the “great commission” (Matthew 28: 18–20), Jesus declares that disciple-making is accomplished by immersing believers “into the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit” (19).

In 2 Corinthians 13:13, Paul not only wishes a blessing of grace, love, and community, but also that the blessings are those which are uniquely given by the Lord Jesus Christ, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit. It is not that these blessings are lacking outside the church; instead, it is their new coloring by the presence of God reframes their purpose and experience.

The Fellowship of the Holy Spirit

The biblical subject of the Holy Spirit is rich and comes with its element of complexity. There are, nevertheless, many passages that speak to the personhood of the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3-4, 15:28; John 14-16:15; 2 Corinthians 4:17–18, 5:5, 6:7).

Paul’s blessing of “fellowship” (“partnership, a close mutual relationship”) is associated with the Holy Spirit. Fellowship is a subject of considerable concern for Paul when he writes to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 1:9, 10:16; 2 Corinthians 6:14, 9:13). Instead of being a community of darkness and self-centeredness, sharing in the “fellowship of the Holy Spirit” fosters us to participate in the redemptive work of Jesus.

Ask this: “Am I being gracious, loving, and participating?” If your actions represent God’s presence, how does He look?

Hymn: Glorify Thy Name

Devotional: May the Word be with You (John 1:1-3)

On By Jovan PayesIn Devotional, Gospel, Jesus Studies, John, New Testament

It is a staggering idea to contemplate God choosing self-sacrifice in order to create the opportunity for reconciliation between Himself and his rebellious creation. In fact, Paul would word the matter in the following way: 

“God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them.” (2 Corinthians 5:19)

The agent through whom this is accomplished is Jesus Christ. The means by which this occurs is His death, so that we (humanity – “us” 5:19) may potentially experience the reconciliation of God (2 Corinthians 5:14–21).

The Gospel of John provides a fuller detail as to how God was reconciling the world to himself. The record of John is, however, unlike Matthew’s Gospel which begins with the Hebrew genealogical table which emphasizes the Lord’s lineage from David and Abraham (Matthew 1:1–17). It is unlike Mark’s abrupt mention of “the beginning” of the gospel, which is marked by Jesus’ ministry inaugurated by the baptism by John (Mark 1:1–14).

It is even unlike Luke’s historically grounded retelling, beginning from Jesus’ birth announcements to the unfolding of the universal gospel call as seen in Luke’s second volume Acts (Luke 1:1–4; Acts 1:1–9). John begins the narration of his Gospel Account from the very beginning. In this way John stands upon unique footing.

Although not being distinct in message and general outline, John’s Gospel Account is a maverick of sorts, focusing upon the cosmic drama mentioned above which grounds the gospel message. To provide his readers the needed perspective in order to appreciate all that proceeds, John pens the first line of his account with the following words: 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:1–3)

This eternal “Word” is explicitly identified as the Father’s son– Jesus – who indeed “became flesh and dwelt among us” (1:14).

John further affirms, “and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (1:14; the term “Father,” Grk. pater, is used approximately 107 times as the name for “God” in John’s Gospel). This is a profound truth regarding Jesus’ nature and ought to inform our understanding of the Gospel message as well. Let us consider a few ideas from John 1:1, as expressed in three clauses:

(a) “In the beginning was the Word”

(b) “the Word was with God”

(c) “the Word was God”

The rich language of the first verse of John’s Gospel conveys the divine nature of “the Word” (Grk. logos), who in fact is the pre-incarnate Jesus (i.e. before he put on his human identity). Many times the “beginnings” of Jesus of Nazareth are only considered from the standpoint of his birth and baptism; however, the implications of John 1:1 demonstrate that His beginnings are from eternity (Micah 5:2).

In order to truly appreciate the gospel proclamation, it is a vital matter to understand that Jesus had an existence before he walked the rocky soil of Palestine in the 1st Century A.D. In fact, Jesus was/is an eternal divine being, namely God. This truth becomes more profound when we see that the Word abides with his people who abide in Him (John 8:31–32).

Hymn: Lord, We Come Before Thee

Devotional: May the Lord be with You (Romans 15:33)

On By Jovan PayesIn Devotional, New Testament, Paul's Letters, Romans

Romans 15:33 is an interesting break in Paul’s great letter to the culturally diverse brethren who fellowshipped in the city of Rome (1:7). It is so abrupt that it marks a clear line between the main teaching component of the letter (1:14-15:32) and the salutations and quick words Paul sends to specific house churches in Rome (16:1-23).

Romans 15 marks the apostle Paul’s desire for continued mission work to Spain (15:28), where Christ has not been proclaimed (15:20-21; Isa 52:15). His belief in the power and influence of the prayers of the saints to be incorporated in the providence of God is clear from his pleas to his brethren to pray for him (15:30-32).

Moreover, Paul anticipates considerable opposition to his upcoming ministry to the “poor saints” in Jerusalem (15:26). Recalling that he had already been hindered to come to Rome before (15:22), he enlists his Roman brethren to pray on his behalf so that he make it to Rome (15:28) on his way to Spain, the “very ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

Paul anticipates a joyful and refreshing environment to accompany his visit to Rome (15:32). 

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)

Romans 15:33 finalizes, then, Paul’s great desire to evangelize the world, cooperate with the Roman brethren in ministry, and to enjoy the power of fellowship. He closes this section of the letter with a prayer of blessing: 

“May the God of peace be among all of you, Amen.” (Romans 15:33)

(1) Paul calls upon God. The text has no verb but it is supplied since it is a call for God to be among His people. In this prayer of blessing (i.e, a benediction), Paul calls upon their creator (1:19), their justifier (4:25-26), their savior (10:13-17), and their peacemaker (1:7, 5:1).

(2) Paul seeks for Peace. “The God of peace” speaks to character of God (i.e, “the Peaceful God”). This is a hebraic way of emphasizing God’s attribute of peace and harmony. Here, Paul alludes to the need the church has for harmony to overcome the internal turmoil it experienced.

(3) Paul desires that God blesses their fellowship. The focus of Paul’s prayer towards the Christians in Rome, is that God be among all of them (“among all of you”). There is no partiality in his prayer. This prayer calls attention to both our individual relationship with God, and His presence within the community of His people.

(4) Paul stamps his spiritual desire. “Amen” is a Hebrew phrase used to express a variety of ideas. As the counterpart to God’s “it shall be,” amen means, “let it be so” (Vine, et al., Expository Dictionary, 2:25). Most commonly, it is to express agreement to the content of a public prayer (1 Cor 14:16). The prayer ends with this call to agreement.

Are there troubles in your Christian life? Are there hinderances to things you want to do for Christ? Are there internal problems among us? Paul’s answer: Invoke the presence of God. We must include God in our private lives, and our church life, to become who God’s wants us to be. In turn we will become the church He intended us to be. So doing we will invite peace and harmony because the God of peace is among us. So, can I get an “Amen”?

Hymn: Praise the Lord