Podcast
Be Still: Daily Devotional
Hosted by Vineyard Columbus · EN
**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**
A time to BE STILL with God. A daily scripture reading and meditative devotional from Mondays to Fridays and a time of reflection on Saturdays through the practice of a weekly Examen.
A time to BE STILL with God. A daily scripture reading and meditative devotional from Mondays to Fridays and a time of reflection on Saturdays through the practice of a weekly Examen.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
February 17th, 2026
Feb 1700:13:18Tap to summarize**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**______Today is February 17th.May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”Today’s reading is from the book of Genesis chapter 47."1 Joseph went and told Pharaoh, “My father and brothers, with their flocks and herds and everything they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen.” 2 He chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh.3 Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What is your occupation?”“Your servants are shepherds,” they replied to Pharaoh, “just as our fathers were.” 4 They also said to him, “We have come to live here for a while, because the famine is severe in Canaan and your servants’ flocks have no pasture. So now, please l5 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you,6 and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if you know of any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock.”7 Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed Pharaoh, 8 Pharaoh asked him, “How old are you?”9 And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers.” 10 Then Jacob blessed[b] Pharaoh and went out from his presence.11 So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh directed. 12 Joseph also provided his father and his brothers and all his father’s household with food, according to the number of their children."The story of Joseph is long and full of family drama including deceit, pain, jealousy, disappointment, and finally... after a long time...redemption. Think about your own family situation. Is there family drama? Or perhaps you wish you had some family drama, because you aren’t connected to family and feel alone. Take a moment to bring your feelings about your family situation to GodAs you hear the passage read again… pay attention to Jacob, Joseph’s father. He tells Pharaoh “my years have been difficult”. Jacob had watched his children struggle, and watched them fight, and had probably experienced disappointment as a result. Perhaps Jacob wondered what he could have done differently... Can you identify with that sentiment?"1 Joseph went and told Pharaoh, “My father and brothers, with their flocks and herds and everything they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen.” 2 He chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh.3 Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What is your occupation?”“Your servants are shepherds,” they replied to Pharaoh, “just as our fathers were.” 4 They also said to him, “We have come to live here for a while, because the famine is severe in Canaan and your servants’ flocks have no pasture. So now, please let your servants settle in Goshen.”5 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you,6 and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if you know of any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock.”7 Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed[a] Pharaoh, 8 Pharaoh asked him, “How old are you?”9 And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers.” 10 Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from his presence.11 So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh directed. 12 Joseph also provided his father and his brothers and all his father’s household with food, according to the number of their children."This passage ends with Joseph forgiving and providing for his family, even after they had caused Joseph great pain. Joseph didn’t respond out of anger to his family’s faithlessness, but he responded out of God’s faithfulness. As we end our time of prayer, what is God’s wisdom to you for your own family situation? Ask God for grace to response in the ways that he is leading you.Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.Music Credit:Take Me With You - Vineyard Worship/Samuel Lane (YouTube)
Transcribe →February 16th, 2026
Feb 1600:10:56Tap to summarize**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**______Today is February 16th.Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”Today’s reading is from Romans chapter 1."16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”Paul says that He is not ashamed of the Gospel. As we begin, take a few moments to think about how you would define ‘the gospel’ message? The word gospel itself means ‘good news’.If someone asked you today 'what is the good news that Christians talk about’, think about how you could answer them, in your own words, and in your own experience?This phrase ‘righteousness of God that is by faith from first to last...’ has a lot of meaning packed into it. For Christians, righteousness means to be without sin, to be fully right with God, and to demonstrate his just and right ways in the world. Paul tells us here that the gospel makes us right with God by faith from first to last! So the good news is that it’s our faith in Christ – and only our faith in Christ – that confers on us God's righteousness. Not anything we do, or any action we take. As you hear the passage again, thank God that you are fully right with Him because of Christ."16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”Does it seem easy for your faith in Christ to take on a religious sensibility? For your faith to be expressed more in dos and don’ts, or rules and ritual, or apathy, than in your actual, thoughtful, emotional and spiritual awareness of the powerful thing Christ has done for you? Sometimes our faith needs to be stirred up. Sometimes we forget that we actually believe the gospel is true, and that it has power. As we end of our time, ask God to increase your faith so that you might know the power of the Gospel again.Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.Music Credit:No Longer Strangers - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)
Transcribe →Examen - February 14th, 2026
Feb 1400:10:15Tap to summarize**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**_________This is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced.1. Become aware of God’s presence.2. Review the day with gratitude.3. Pay attention to your emotions.4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.5. Look toward tomorrow.
Transcribe →February 13th, 2026
Feb 1300:11:49Tap to summarize**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**______Today is February 13th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew, 3:1-5 . In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. John the Baptist spent his ministry in the wilderness, preaching repentance and pointing people to Jesus. He seemed strange to his contemporaries, just like he seems strange to us. The word ‘repentance’ also seems strange to our modern ears. For some, that word calls to mind stereotypes of angry religious preachers. For others, it seems irrelevant. For others, it creates feelings of shame. What does the word ‘repentance’ bring to your mind? How does it make you feel? The Greek word that repentance is metanoia. It implies a drastic reorientation of mind and heart… a turning point in someone’s experience of reality that changes everything. As you hear the passage read again… consider that John is inviting his listeners to enter a radical new understanding of life, of meaning, and of ultimate reality. Ask yourself, What is it you need to turn away from in order to turn toward God’s new reality for you today? Listen to John’s call to you… Repentance is a word that should be filled with a sense of encounter, power, and meaning. It reminds us that there is purpose and direction to our life, and that we were made for so much more than we often realize. Repentance does imply that we turn away from sin… but what is even more important is what we are turning to face, and to encounter: God, Father, Son, and Spirit. As we end our time of prayer today, imagine yourself turning toward God, and ask Him again to reorient you to His presence. Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Music - Kyrie Eleison - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)
Transcribe →February 12th, 2026
Feb 1200:16:21Tap to summarize**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**______Today is February 12.The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the book of Exodus, chapter 19. The Lord said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you.” Then Moses told the Lord what the people had said. After Moses had gone down the mountain to the people, he consecrated them, and they washed their clothes. Then he said to the people, “Prepare yourselves for the third day. On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently. As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him. This story from the OT book of Exodus is an amazing one, recounting an encounter with God. As we enter into prayer today, consider a time you felt a profound sense of God’s closeness... have you ever had a spiritual experience of the Lord that felt like an ‘encounter’? If so, take some time to recall that experience. If not – speak to the Lord about that. Listen to this text again and enter into what it might have felt like? The people experienced God in a sensory way: they felt, smelled, and saw something that was ‘out of this world’. Imagine the impact of this sort of experience. As we end our time of prayer today, speak with the Lord about what this passage has called to mind. Ask God to continue to reveal himself to you, in still, small ways. Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day. Preserve me through Your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity. And in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.Music: No Rush - Heaven and Earth - (YouTube)
Transcribe →February 11th, 2026
Feb 1100:15:05Tap to summarize**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**______Today is Tuesday, February 11. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from the Book of 1 Timothy, chapter 3, The Message Version If anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good! But there are preconditions: A leader must be well-thought-of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, accessible, and hospitable. He must know what he’s talking about, not be overfond of wine, not pushy but gentle, not thin-skinned, not money-hungry. He must handle his own affairs well, attentive to his own children and having their respect. For if someone is unable to handle his own affairs, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a new believer, lest the position go to his head and the Devil trip him up. Outsiders must think well of him, or else the Devil will figure out a way to lure him into his trap. Leadership is fraught in our world. We are all too familiar with leadership failures, leadership egos, and leadership disappointments. This scripture must also be familiar with that sort of bad leadership vibe... because the author is taking a good bit of time explaining what leadership integrity looks like to Timothy – a young leader in the church. As we enter into a moment of reflection, what seems more real to you: examples of excellent leadership, or examples of dumpster-fire leadership? I appreciate the things that scripture commends as integrous leadership: a good reputation. Commitment and faithfulness. Being a non-anxious presence. Being available, and hospitable. Someone who’s smart, gentle, who doesn’t push other people around. Someone who walks the walk and doesn’t just talk the talk. Someone who’s wise. And generous. And who’s ego isn’t overinflated. I believe that the world needs more leaders like this. Listen to the passage again and try to find one descriptor that feels really important to you – something you might be able to work towards developing in your own life. As bad as bad leadership can be, a good leader really is an absolute gift. In my life, I’ve been led by some amazing leaders –not perfect, but kind, wise, thoughtful, attentive. My parents are leaders like that. When I was a student, I had mentors in Young Life and at church who really poured into me. Even now, as a 52 year old, I am grateful for faithful and generous leaders in my life who care for me, pray for me, and help me become who God made me to be. Do you have anyone in your life who you’re leading in that sort of way? Take time now as we end, and allow God to stir up your heart for someone who might be able to lead well, and with grace.
Transcribe →February 10th, 2026
Feb 1000:11:16Tap to summarize**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**______Today is February 10thMay the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”Today’s reading is from 2 Corinthians chapter 8."8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving."Today’s reading describes an unusual equation: take a severe trial, add to it overflowing joy, add to it extreme poverty, and Paul says that all of these things added up to rich generosity demonstrated by the Macedonian believers. Does this demonstration of generosity and joy amid trial and poverty surprise you? Do you regularly demonstrate financial generosity? How easy, or difficult, is this for you to be generous, especially when you see financial challenges in your life?Paul calls the generosity of the Macedonian believers a grace and writes that they viewed sacrificial giving as a privilege. He also encourages the Corinthian believers to follow their example and excel in the grace of giving. As you hear the passage read again, can you listen as though Paul’s words are directed to you personally?"8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for theprivilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving."See that you also excel in this grace of giving. Do you experience giving as a grace? More often, we experience receiving as a grace. Look for an opportunity today to give generously; if you aren’t already giving sacrificially to your church community, then maybe today you could begin; or perhaps you are able to give over and above a tithe to additional missions or ministries that are doing good in the world around you. Maybe you are already generous with your finances in those kinds of ways: take a moment and recognize it as a sign of God’s grace, and thank God that you get to partner with him in doing good!Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.Music Credit:Generous God - Vineyard Soul (YouTube)
Transcribe →February 9th, 2026
Feb 900:13:07Tap to summarize**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**______Today is February 9th. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is in two parts, from Genesis 39:1-6 and 20-23. Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his househo ld, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate…. Just a little while later, Joseph finds himself in a much different situation: Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, he Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. In the first part of our reading, Joseph was living a flourishing and blessed life. In the second part, Joseph was deprived and alone, languishing in prison. Which scene best represents how you are feeling today: flourishing, or imprisoned? Free, or constrained? God’s blessing was with Joseph during both times of his life: both in prospering circumstances, and in difficult circumstances. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul writes that he knows what it is like to be in need, and he knows what it is like to have plenty… and that in each case, the secret to being content is knowing and being strengthened by Christ. As you listen to the reading again, pay attention to how God never left Joseph. Very often we are tempted to let our circumstances determine our sense of God’s presence with us. As we close, talk with God about the circumstances of your week. Invite the Holy Spirit to draw your attention to the presence of God with you today. Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Music - You're Always With Us - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)
Transcribe →Examen - February 7th, 2026
Feb 700:10:45Tap to summarize**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**_________This is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced.1. Become aware of God’s presence.2. Review the day with gratitude.3. Pay attention to your emotions.4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.5. Look toward tomorrow.
Transcribe →February 6th, 2026
Feb 600:11:14Tap to summarize**After much prayer and reflection, we want to share that Be Still will conclude on February 17, 2026. Since 2023, it has been a gift to walk together through daily moments of Scripture, prayer, and stillness. We are deeply grateful for every listener who has made space to meet with God through this devotional. The full archive of episodes will remain available as a resource for anyone who wishes to continue engaging with Be Still. While new episodes will no longer be released, we trust the Lord will continue to use these moments to draw hearts closer to Him. Thank you for being part of this journey.**_________Today is February 6th. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.” Today’s reading is from 2nd Corinthians chapter 4. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. In ancient times, things of value were hidden in clay jars… which were common objects not worthy of holding treasure. Paul is writing to the church in Corinth and telling them that we ourselves are like ‘jars of clay’ – ordinary people who hold the treasure of Christ in us, through the Holy Spirit. How does it make you feel when you hear that God has chosen you as a vessel to hold his love and his power? Paul also describes how fragile these vessels are. He described himself using words like hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, struck down? Do any of those words describe how you feel today? Are you perplexed by something today? Do you feel hard pressed by a particular situation you are facing? As you hear the passage again, can you offer your situation to Jesus, and ask Him to make you aware of how His life is at work in you in the midst of what you are facing? Paul isn’t describing a totally hopeless situation – he juxtaposes the challenges that he is facing alongside the hope that he has found through life with Christ. As you walk through your day today, ask God to fill your mortal body with the life of Christ, that you may know the hope of his presence, no matter what challenge you are facing. Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Music - Sing Out - Heaven & Earth - (YouTube)
Transcribe →