Devotionals

Devotional #1 (May 1st) 

Wisdom Along the Way

Offered by Fellowship Baptist Church member, Kay Tronsen

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!

~ Proverbs 16:16

I like to walk a three-mile loop in my neighborhood that circles behind our home, along a gravel road that snakes through the trees, passing occasional homes.  It’s not isolated but feels isolated. I hear birds, see cows (and once, three moose!), look up into the sky where I can pray and sing with no one noticing or caring.  I think of these as prayer walks as much as exercise. I’ve wrestled through some difficult times walking with the Lord out there.But I’ve also had some good conversation, some joyful singing, and close times of communion.

He is a God of relationship, but that closeness of relationship comes with hard work—we must submit, we must listen, we must accept; we must surrender our time and attention.  None of those things are easy for me (hence, the wrestling!). One of my recurring prayers has been for wisdom.

How do we gain wisdom (or even know when we have it)?  Probably not through easy roads or clear sailing, but mostly, at least in my experience, through difficulty, stress, uncertainty, and pain. We have to be willing to submit our agendas to Him, lean in to listen to His directions (even when it’s not what we want to hear), and we must accept His counsel. We have to accept that His timing is not our timing.  BUT I have found, in the midst of all that submitting, listening, accepting, and wrestling, that we serve a God of humor and good grace.  It isn’t ALWAYS hard or ALWAYS painful or ALWAYS stressful.  Sometimes it’s downright fun. 

I was walking the loop one sunny summer day. As I rounded one bend, I noticed something laying on the road.  I bent down and picked up a wrench. You know . . . those ever-handy tools men love to collect.  It must have fallen out of a passing truck on the rocky road.  On one side was engraved,

FORGED ALLOY STEEL. I turned it over and read the brand, 9/16 WISDOM TOOLS. I heard that clear inner voice say, “You’ve been praying for wisdom.”  Joy bubbled up, and I burst out laughing.  In 1st Peter, that joy is called “irrepressible and glorious.”   I know the Lord laughed with me.  I have that wrench hanging above my desk in my o&ice to remind me that wisdom might be hard won (and I admit I still have a long way to go down that road), but it’s well worth the struggle, and like “forged alloy steel,” my strong Savior is near, revealing unexpected joy when I least expect it!

Devotional #2 (May 4th) 

The Race

Offered by IronMay Competitor, Daniel Arnold

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 

~ 1st Corinthians 9:24

As we participate in this virtual race, for some of us it's a gentle motivator to get off the couch and be active this spring, and for others it's a fierce (though mostly friendly) competition.  In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul made several references to a race, challenging himself and others to persevere in their faith. I have heard it summarized like this:

1. In the race of life, run and finish well. (Acts 20:24, 1 Cor 9:24-27, Heb 12:1-2)

2. This race is a relay; to whom are you passing the baton? (2 Tim 2:1-2)

Check out the supporting Scriptures below and enjoy the race!

Acts 20:24 

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Hebrews 12:1-2

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

2 Timothy 2:1-2

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.

Devotional #3 (May 7th) 

Made New

Offered by Fellowship Baptist Family Member & IronMay Competitor, Dionne

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

~ Ephesians 4:22-24

As long as I am a decent person, as long as I treat people well and everyone likes me, as long as I outperform everyone at work, take care of my kids, keep the house perfect, drive the best car, make sure all the shopping is done, train the animals well, and stay out of trouble by keeping my drug habit hidden then everything should fall into place and my life should be perfect. Everything looks perfect!

But on the inside I knew I was a liar. I cheated, I stole, and I was a drug addict. And I embraced these things because they got me what I wanted. What I thought I needed. It also came with guilt, shame, regret, resentment, hate, rage and loneliness. I eventually came to the end of myself and asked for help.

The enemy keeps you thinking you are fine where you are, and you don’t need or want help. That if you ask for help then people will know how broken you are. That people will think you are a failure, not worthy, weak, and unlovable. He whispers to you, “Why would the God of the universe waste his time on a person like you? You are a horrible person who has done horrible things. God doesn’t have time for someone like you.”

These are the lies I lived, told myself and listened to. But God in His grace, love and mercies met me where I was. He sent people to teach me about who He was. He showed me through His Word that I was broken, and He wanted to mend me back together. That I am worthy, loved and forgiven. That He would take me in all my sin and show me who I am in Him, beautiful and wonderfully made. That my identity is not what I did but who I am with Him. I am a child of the King.

Devotional #4 (May 12th) 

The Good Shepherd

Offered by Fellowship Baptist Family Member, Judy Walker

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.

~ Psalm 23:5

Psalm 23 uses the imagery of a shepherd to portray God's loving care and guidance.  I had not stopped to meditate on all its meaning.  Recently, it was brought to my attention that David would choose anointing his head with oil as a great honor. 

Shepherds used oil to protect sheep from insects, heal wounds, and ease the impact of head clashes. The Shepherd wants to ease pain and suffering.

Father, thank you for being my Shepherd. Help me hear daily the voice of the Good Shepherd who guides me along right paths with goodness and unfailing love. Amen

Devotional #5 (May 15th) 

Seek Discomfort

Offered by Fellowship Baptist Family Member, David Smith

Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.  Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

~ Matthew 10:38-39

Growing up in Chicago, a very sport-minded town, I did all the things you do--basketball of course, football, hockey and baseball (Cubbie Fan). As a young person you don’t think about discomfort at all, it’s just what you do, throw your body around and just walk it off as the popular thing I heard throughout my youth. After 22 years as a very active youth pastor, my body started to show some wear. Even as I have changed my sports to non-lateral sports such as biking and running, I often hurt after 10-Ks and I am barely walking after the ½ Marathons. Now at nearly 70, I have adopted this saying: seek discomfort.

This leads me to the question for this devotion: where in the Bible does it say we are to seek comfort? If you have a red-letter edition Bible you will notice these words in Matthew 10:38-39 are RED as they are the very words of Jesus. “Take up your cross and follow me”

I have never carried a cross before, but during my times serving on missions trips on many continents from India to Japan, I have lugged rocks, sand, cement, and tons of paint. We have somehow lost the concept of the Christian life being hard. We want to make it easy. If you are following Christ, it’s not easy, and after many years of doing so, it doesn’t get any easier. But just as I train and do intervals on the track and find myself very much in discomfort, the result is that I can nevertheless get a good time and finish the races. Following Christ is not a sprint--it’s the biggest marathon you will ever do. So today, lose your life for Jesus and pick up the cross and follow Him. Seek discomfort. I promise you the medal at the end will be better than any you get for finishing a race here.

Devotional #6 (May 20th) 

The Kingdom Moves Forward

Offered by Fellowship Baptist Family Member, Jim

Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven..

~ Matthew 6:10

Much of our holy scripture talks about God’s kingdom and how we, as mankind, play our part in it. The kingdom is always moving forward at God’s time and pace and according to His design.

The Old Testament Book of Esther is unique in that it does not mention God once, nor are its key players ever mentioned outwardly practicing worship, praising God, or even praying to God. Yet through this wonderful story, we can still see how we all are placed in a position of freewill in our decision-making towards God’s kingdom and observe the miraculous plan of God’s kingdom moving forward in the story of how Queen Esther saved her people, the Jews, from utter annihilation at the hands of the evil Haman. In the middle of the story Esther is reminded by her uncle, Mordecai that if she does not act on behalf of her people by interceding with the king that it would ultimately lead to her and her family’s demise but the kingdom and God’s plan would continue moving forward: “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish” (Esther 4:14a).

Another example of the kingdom moving forward at God’s timing is shown when Jesus gave the Parable of the Weeds in the New Testament Book of Matthew. Jesus uses the example of the Master sowing good seeds of wheat (the people of God’s kingdom), but his enemy sowed weeds (the people of the evil one) in the same field.  Upon finding the weeds mixed in with the good wheat plants the Sower’s servants ask the Master if He wants them to pick and remove the weeds that had intermixed with the good seed. The Master’s plan, timing, and care for his crop is shown in His answer: “No,” he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest….” (Matthew 13:29-30a, 36-43).

In both the examples we see that God’s Kingdom flows according to His perfect plan and timing, regardless of how our human emotions, intention and understanding might seemingly get in the way. The thought of God’s kingdom flowing forward at His direction, pace and timing and the knowledge that He has given me freewill to continue the flow of His kingdom gives me strength and purpose, even though many times I do not understand why certain things happen the way they do in life. I am to trust God and His plan for the kingdom moving forward. Praise God.

Devotional #7 (May 22nd) 

Strength for the Journey

Offered by Fellowship Baptist Family Member, Delores

“...the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
~Nehemiah 8:10b

I always thought that running was nonsense:  it was a lot of work and too hard on the body.  But, I learned to enjoy the feeling I got inside, as I ran early in the morning through the forest on a well-trodden path, listening to the sounds of birds or watching squirrels, deer and even snakes. Some call it a "runner's high," but for me it really was being "high" on the Most High, that gave me - a "non-runner” - the ability to run long distances. He became my strength and song. And, I was closer to Him during those moments, than at any other time. It was like being carried along on the wings of an eagle.

God brought out what He had placed within me so I could run 5Ks, half marathons, etc. Yet it was not only for physical races.  He also drew out what I needed to run the race of life. He is not only the Source of life, but the Sustainer of life. So no matter what type of race you're running (in ministry or the marketplace), know that He's given you all you need to complete the journey.

For further reading:  Isaiah 40:31, Ephesians 2:10, Philippians 1:6

Devotional #8 (May 25th) 

All Nature Sings

Offered by Fellowship Baptist Family Member, Amy

Let the heavens rejoice; let the earth be glad; let the sea resound and all that is in it.  Let the fields be jubilant and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
~Psalm 96:11-12

“All nature sings and around me rings the music of the spheres.”  These words from a beloved old hymn come to mind every time I step outside to work in our yard or garden. The Good Lord has blessed us with incredible surroundings if a person is in tune with nature and allows themselves to listen to “the music of the spheres.” 

No matter the season, when you are out of doors, you are enveloped in God’s grandeur. Walking, hiking, biking and running add to the pure pleasure of being outside. I find my best meditation time in weeding and planting. My grandmother loved being in her garden, and she passed this love on to me. She often sang hymns quietly while she worked. I can still see her in my mind’s eye, digging in the soil and tending to each plant, while singing and humming praises to the Lord. She taught me to appreciate every moment outside. 

Breathe deeply.  Lift your face to the sunshine. Listen to the silence! God’s music of the spheres surrounds you every single day. His miracles are everywhere, if only we pay attention. The small and busy ant, the tallest tree, and the sky above us all attest to His artistic hand. He has provided all this for us. Such a generous and blessed gift! Join in the jubilation and rejoice in the greatness of our Lord!

Devotional #9 (May 27th) 

You Were Worth It

Offered by Fellowship Baptist Family Member and IronMay Ambassador Extraordinaire, Arlette

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, Who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
~Hebrews 12:2

I was recently in Zips, waiting for my order of burgers and fries, when an older gentleman, walking with a cane and wearing a Vietnam veteran hat, came in.  He made eye contact and said, “Hello,” so I walked over to him and said, “Thank you for your service.”  He leaned in, looked me in the eye, and said, “You were worth it.”

I’m still blown away. HIs response made his purpose for sacrifice personal.  

Jesus’ purpose for His sacrifice was personal, too.  His death paid the debt I owed for my sin, providing the only possible means for me to have a relationship with God.  The first part of 1st John 3:16 says, “This is how we know what love is:  Jesus Christ laid down His life for us.”  He was motivated by love for us.  We were the joy set before Him.  If you’re wondering how He feels about you, I hope you’ll see Him lean in, look you in the eye, and say, “You were worth it.”

Devotional #10 (May 31st) 

On God Alone

Offered by Fellowship Baptist Family Member, Amanda

In a world that constantly pushes trends, fears, and popular opinions, we're called to fix our eyes on God instead and fear him alone.

In this materialistic world, we tend to follow the crowd. Especially as teens, we often hear about things like trends, the latest style, or what everyone is doing. Reasons vary as to why we do these things, why we don’t question, “What if I don’t follow the crowd?” We might follow the crowd to fit in, socialize, or not feel alone. In addition to following the crowd, we also follow the fears and praises everyone has. People often fear things like the world and political powers, or do the opposite and praise them. What everybody fears, we fear.  What everybody praises, we praise. We let worldly thinking dominate and shape the way we think. Isaiah 8:12-13 addresses this specifically:

Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy;

do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it.

The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy,

He is the one you are to fear,

He is the one you are to dread..

This verse not only tells not to follow what others do, like what they call conspiracy or what they fear, but it adds on and says Do not dread it. You shouldn’t worry about what other people think or fear.  Instead, the only one we should fear, dread, not forget, and to regard as holy is The Lord Almighty.

Do you ever fear what others fear? Do you ever dread what is to come?