Category: Devotion

I love to watch Leo chase flies.  He is so determined and very focused.  He doesn’t stop moving and is always on the lookout.  He will run around the firepit over and over and over again.  I get dizzy just watching him.  I often wonder why in the world he would do this.  His averages of actually catching a fly are very low.  He does occasionally get one and seems as shocked as anyone else.  He doesn’t chase flies for the actual results – there is joy just in the chase.  He seems to find unending fun from simply chasing.  To some of us, that likely sounds ridiculous.  Why would we do something we knew would not actually end up not yielding any result?  What if we just found joy in doing it anyway?  It would seem frustrating to me.  But as I watch Leo, the joy radiating from his entire body is contagious.  

Our lives might look different if we found joy in the simple things we do each day.  That whole sentence probably caused some eyes to roll.  Who finds joy in the things we do each day?  Yet, Jesus has given us life and a life more abundant.  Abundance, for me, means joy- not stuff.  So if we are given a joyful life, why do we often look as if it is anything but joyful?  What are we missing?  

After Jesus’ resurrection, he did simple things.  He walked down a road with people who didn’t know him – and then had a meal with them after teaching them a few good things.  He had breakfast on the beach with his friends after they had a long, unsuccessful night of fishing.  He cooked, they ate.  He spent time with others, showing them love, and eating with them.  There were meals!  And these meals were joyful.  It wasn’t what they ate that mattered.  It was who they ate with that changed things.  This wasn’t their first or last meal.  It was one of the most important, though.  They were having a meal with Jesus.  There was joy shared in the simple things.  Joy can be found in the ordinary.  

If we seek it, we may find joy is right before us.  If we are willing to enjoy the journey rather than the destination, we may find life really is abundant.  Joy is waiting to be discovered in the middle of the ordinary.

Focus Scripture:

John 21:12-13

¹² Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. ¹³ Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery

There are plenty of people willing to condemn.  There are lines of people looking to find fault in others.  The groups of people willing to show the love of Christ…not as many.  Continually the Bible teaches us to love one another.  We are given direction on what this means.  We are given an example of how it looks.  We are shown time and time again how to show love to one another.  Yet, it seems to be one of those things which slips right by us.  It takes effort.  It takes going the extra step.  It takes thinking outside of ourselves.  It takes everything which may feel uncomfortable, at least for a moment.  Yet, to show love to one another is the goal.  It is the focus.  If we can show love to one another, we are on the path to becoming more like Christ.  

People don’t always make it easy to love them.  Frankly, we don’t always make it easy to love us either.  Sometimes it just happens.  But more often, it takes a conscious effort to show love, especially to those who are less than lovable.  That’s where Christians make the difference.  That’s where others recognize how much we love Jesus.  Love is the key, the pivotal point.  We know because Jesus showed us the ultimate love.  How can we not make the time and the effort to show love to one another?

Focus Scripture:

1 John 3:11

¹¹ For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery

We celebrate Resurrection.  We give thanks for the sacrifice.  We hear how we can live free.  We begin to take in the love which has been poured out for us.  Yet the Monday after Easter can look very similar to the Monday before Easter.  We too easily fall back into our routines, leaving no trace of Easter in our lives.  Other than a hidden missed egg which may appear a few days or weeks from now, it will seem as though Easter has come and gone.  If we fully embrace all of Easter, this cannot be the case.  It cannot be that we go about our lives as if Resurrection never happened.  We must reflect the love which has been so generously given to us.  

I understand how this can be a challenge.  Everything about our Easter Monday can seem mundane.  We often do the same job and are in the same mindset.  But the day after the Resurrection was anything but mundane for the women, for the disciples, and for those who had the joy of encountering Jesus again, for the first time.  Meals were enjoyed, eyes were opened, hearts were changed and nothing was the same – at least not for his followers.  They certainly lived in the same world and wandered the same community.  But they had been changed.  They had been a part of something miraculous, earth-shattering even.  Everything around them may have been familiar, but they were anything but the same.  They were being made new.  Their entire lives were being transformed.  Jesus is alive – and that means something.

I can’t help but wonder if our lives should reflect a change as well.  Shouldn’t we live more like Christ?  The ultimate example of loving God and loving others is right before us.  How are we begin made new?  How are we being transformed?  Resurrection does that.

Focus Scripture:

John 20:19-20

¹⁹ When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” ²⁰ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery

Today is Good Friday of Holy Week.  It is the day we remember the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.  Wrongly accused, falsely convicted and hung on a cross are just some of the events of the day.  It is a day of denial – Peter forgets who it is he has been following – fear does that sometimes.  It is a day of disappearance – where the disciples who have been by his side are nowhere to be found.  It is a day of pain – Jesus is beaten and tortured to the extremes.  It is a day of firsts – the sky turns dark in the middle of the day and the temple veil is torn.  It is a day to never forget – always remember the sacrifice.

So as we move through this day, may we hold space to remember all Jesus has done for us.  May we take the time for gratefulness – we mean that much to him, even now.  May we spend moments in silence – a life was taken – a life who taught what it means to love, truly love.  And then, may we go about our day in love.  

Focus Scripture:

Matthew 20: 17-19 (New Revised Standard Version)

While Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and said to them on the way, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified; and on the third day he will be raised.”

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery

It is so easy to say and really not a problem to talk about.  The action part is the challenge.  On this Maundy Thursday of Holy Week, Jesus teaches a lesson.  This lesson is one of humility and servanthood.  They had watched Jesus put this teaching into practice for years.  They understood the concept.  But now, Jesus would give them the actual teaching.  He would show them this would be the way.  This is the direction they were to take as he prepares for his death.  This is one he did not want them to miss.  

I’m grateful Jesus didn’t just teach but actually lived it out in very practical ways.  I cannot imagine the look on the disciples faces as he takes off his outer robe and puts the towel around his waist.  Jesus is known for doing things very differently.  But this had to be one of the most confounding times for the disciples.  Jesus is taking on one of the most menial tasks.  He washes feet.  He takes the tired, dirty, crusty feet of the disciples into his own hands and pours out his love.  His love had to echo throughout the entire house even louder than the water hitting the bottom of the pan.  Peter was so confused he initially couldn’t allow Jesus to do it.  This was way beneath his leader and his friend.  Jesus explains otherwise.  Peter plops down right in front of Jesus eager to take it all in – always a little over the top in his response.  Jesus washes feet.  Hear that for a moment – Jesus washes feet.  I wonder what things we think are beneath us?

In this important action, Jesus gives them a new commandment.  It doesn’t seem all that new to us, we have read it in the Bible multiple times.  I can’t imagine it would be all that new to them initially.   Love one another seems to be the whole way of God.  So what was so new about these old words?  I hear two distinctions – love one another as I have loved you; all will know you by your love.  Jesus has just given a powerful lesson through the washing of feet and now they hear – love one another as I have loved you.  They are to serve through love.  They are to become more like Jesus in their love.  Their love for others will become so tangible others will understand they belong to Jesus.  It is their love which will define them as followers of Christ.   

I wonder what would define us today?  Do we define ourselves by the church we attend, by the doctrine we believe, by the tithes we give, by the times we pray?  Or are we defined as followers of Christ by our love for one another?  

Jesus wants us to love like him.  May it be so.

Focus Scripture:

John 13:33-35

 ³³ Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ ³⁴ I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. ³⁵ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery

I often notice the more time I spend with someone, the more connected we feel.  We begin to know how someone processes thoughts and the things which make him or her angry.  We begin to see what is important to the other.  Wendy and I have been together for many years.  We often think the same things and will know how the other will react.  We are more and more connected the years we spend together.  As time goes by, we can sometimes tell how the other feels just by being in the same room, no words needed.  We sense the needs of the other simply through presence.  

As I read Jesus’ teachings to the disciples, I begin to understand a little more what he may have meant by asking them (and us essentially) to abide in him.  This is Holy Week and as we travel this journey, we should begin to get a sense of the struggles and the triumphs of this time.  We understand a little more each time we travel this journey.  By abiding in Jesus, we get a clearer picture of the true sacrifice he made for us, all in love.  

Jesus paints a picture of what he means to abide by comparing this to a vine and branches.  If the branch is disconnected from the vine, it withers and loses all nutrients.  When it is connected, it has the opportunity to thrive and produce fruit like no other.  Fruit is not produced without the vine.  So the more connected the branches are to the vine, the more nutrients they receive.  They are more stable and filled with good things.  The more connected we are to Jesus, the same thing happens.  This requires us to abide in him.  This means we pay attention.  We have to take the time to sense his presence and his guidance.  We have to be willing to take the time to study his teachings and then follow them.  This is a process which develops over time.  Just like a relationship, it takes effort and attention to really, truly abide.  Being connected is the key.  

As we travel this Holy Week, take the time to become more connected than you have been.  Listen to the teachings.  Find out how you might become more like the Creator.  Follow where God might be leading.  It is all part of abiding.

Focus Scripture:

John 15:1-5

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. ² He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. ³ You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. ⁴ Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. ⁵ I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. 

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery

As we journey through this Holy Week, we are reminded of the highs and lows of this time.  There is a celebration and a remembrance which is taking place.  It is the time of Passover.  This is a time set aside for God’s people to remember when he brought them out of slavery.  He brought them into freedom – although the wilderness probably didn’t look much like freedom.  Passover reminded them of salvation.  God put his hand of protection over them so they did not encounter any of the plagues.  God lifted them up and gave them the strength and endurance to go in the middle of the night – before the dough could even rise.  He gave them the courage to gather all of their things and leave behind the life they once knew – even if it was a life of slavery.  He was with them in a mighty way.  

This is a powerful celebration and retelling of the story of God’s redemption.  God says continually…do not forget.  God reminds us of the same thing – do not forget how I have redeemed you and brought you through.  Don’t forget the times when I was with you, even when you did not know it.  Don’t forget I have saved you and set you free.  

Holy Week is an important week to remember.  We remember the sacrifice of Jesus – our redemption, our salvation, the One who set us free.  We remember the journey he traveled as he took on the weight of the world so we might not carry this weight alone.  We remember how God passed over his children as he cared for them and how he continues to shield his children today.  We celebrate God is still at work in our lives.  May we spend today remembering.

Focus Scripture:

Matthew 26:18-19

¹⁸ He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is near; I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’” ¹⁹ So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover meal.

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery

This is Holy Week.  It is a week of remembrance, an opportunity to re-tell the story.  As a follower of Christ, this is one of the most important weeks of the year.  Jesus is entering danger.  He is purposely riding into the heart of the storm.  He knows what is coming but he does it anyway.  He knows the risks and they did not outweigh the outcome.  Jesus is walking a path of destruction but does it with such love and humility.  He doesn’t approach it with guns blazing.  He doesn’t come in rallying an army.  He doesn’t even call for re-enforcements.  He simply does what he knows he is called to do.

As the celebrations of Palm Sunday echo in his ears, he also has the knowledge this will not be the cheers he will hear for long.  He knows the crowds don’t get what he is about to do.  He understands the disciples will not be by his side, even as he has given them his all.  He gets this is going to be painful and cost him so much.  His ministry on earth is almost over.  The cheers are misunderstood cries for help.  He is there to help – but in the most unusual of ways.  His help will take his life.  He knows this and yet, he still goes.

When we are struggling, Jesus knows.  He gets it.  When we are seeking, he understands.  When we feel like we are challenged on every side, he has been there.  He has walked the most difficult path and is with us to remind us we are not alone.  He knows.  And because he knows, he loves.  

Today, know Jesus hears you.  He is with you.  He knows your pain.  He understands your hurt.  He also celebrates with you.  He rejoices when you rejoice.  You are not alone.  He knows.  He loves.  He walks with you.

Focus Scripture:

Mark 11:8-11

⁸ Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. ⁹ Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,

“Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” 

¹⁰ “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

¹¹ Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery

We don’t realize how much we appreciate modern conveniences until we do not have them any longer.  They are so simple yet they make our lives a little bit easier.  We have been without a dryer for over a month.  We have a washer and for that, I am grateful.  My mom lives next door so it is not impossible to access a dryer (yes, I am most grateful for family).  So it is not like we are suffering.  It is just inconvenient.  For everything except towels, we wash our clothes and hang them to dry.  They are everywhere.  We hang them on any surface that will hold them.  When there is a big load, it is like walking through a museum of laundry.  At least it smells good.  We have learned towels don’t dry well indoors.  They need breeze.  And since we don’t have a line outside, they get taken to the dryer of a family member. 

It isn’t really a big deal.  But it sure feels like one when having to try and find a spot for the clothes to dry.  It helps me, though.  In some small way, my perspective is shifted and I am reminded just how privileged my life really is.  I wonder if I need all the clothes I have.  I wonder why I feel like it is such an inconvenience to dry my clothes.  I also wonder if the part to fix the dryer will ever arrive.  

I am grateful for inconveniences.  It helps me to realize how much I have been given.  It gives me an opportunity to see if I am being a good steward of the gifts from God.  I am challenged to think beyond the normalcy of my day.  Mostly, it helps me to live more grateful.  With or without a dryer, I am grateful.  What makes you live more grateful?

Focus Scripture:

Philippians 4:5-6

⁵ Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery

Today is the day to… We could just wait until there is a better day.  We could wait until tomorrow or the next day or the next.  We could have done it yesterday.  But we put it off.  We put off whatever it is we have been wanting to accomplish.  Maybe it is a chore we are putting off.  We know the weeds aren’t going to disappear out of the flower bed on their own.  We know they need to come up.  But surely we can wait until… Maybe it is something fun we keep pushing off the calendar.  I will go on that hike or visit that friend or take a day off when… It may be something as simple as deciding today is the day to be extra kind or spend more time listening and less time talking.  Maybe today is the day to show a little more love to those we love the most.  Maybe today is the day to simply find a moment to breathe.  Today may just be the day to… (and you fill in the blank).

We hear all the time how tomorrow is not guaranteed.  We understand that our time is limited.  Yet we put off those things which may be important to us for whatever reason.  It could be we are too busy or too tired or too behind or too – whatever.  We can come up with more excuses than we even realize to not do the things we wish we were doing.  Or we could decide – today is the day.  This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it – as the Psalmist reminds us.  Today is important and beautiful and an opportunity.  Don’t waste your todays on thoughts of your tomorrows.

What will you do today?  How will you show the love of God to your neighbor?  How will you accomplish something new?  How will you tackle that chore?  This is the day to…

Focus Scripture:

Psalm 118:23-25

²³ This is the Lord’s doing;
    it is marvelous in our eyes.
²⁴ This is the day that the Lord has made;
    let us rejoice and be glad in it. 
²⁵ Save us, we beseech you, O Lord!
    O Lord, we beseech you, give us success!

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery