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Jeremiah 6:8, Isaiah 53:6-8

Good News!

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
June 2, 2026

God’s words to Jerusalem through Jeremiah can sound severe at first hearing: “Be warned… lest I turn from you… lest I make you a desolation.” Yet behind these words stands a deeper truth already spoken, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” The tension is real. How can warning and love exist side by side? The language helps us understand. “Be warned” carries the sense of “listen to reason” or “learn your lesson.” It is not the voice of rejection but of concern. The phrase “lest I turn from you” can be understood as “lest I be alienated from you,” a picture of a relationship strained rather than casually discarded. Like a parent who pleads with a child to avoid harm, God speaks firmly because the stakes are high. Love does not remain silent when destruction is near.

That kind of love is familiar, even if we do not always appreciate it at the time. Most of us can remember moments when we were given good advice and quietly decided to go another direction. The results were often predictable, though we managed to act surprised anyway. The principle of sowing and reaping has a way of confirming what we were told earlier. It is humbling to admit how often we resist guidance, especially when it interrupts what we want to do. We tend to prefer encouragement without correction, reassurance without warning. Yet the absence of warning would not be kindness. It would be neglect. The words that challenge us are often the same words that reveal a care we might not fully recognize until later.

The New Testament brings this tension into clear focus through the work of Jesus. Scripture tells us, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). That is the reality we all share. Yet it continues, “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). The warning of judgment is not the final word. At the cross, Jesus experienced what we deserved. In a way that is difficult to fully grasp, He entered into the separation that sin creates so that we might be brought near. As another passage explains, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). The love that warns is the same love that saves, and in Christ, both are seen clearly.

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Jeremiah 6:7, John 13:34-35

Sin City

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
June 1, 2026

In Jeremiah 6:7, God describes Jerusalem in sobering terms: “As a well keeps its water fresh, so she keeps fresh her evil; violence and destruction are heard within her; sickness and wounds are ever before me.” Philip Ryken captures the force of this image by calling Jerusalem a place where evil continually bubbles up and spills into the streets. The emphasis is not merely on private wrongdoing but on the way people treat one another. Violence, destruction, and wounds point to human harm inflicted on human lives. Even the phrase translated “sickness and wounds” has been understood as “murder and blows,” reinforcing the idea that the city’s greatest problem was not only immorality in general but brutality in relationships. The picture is of a society where self-interest has crowded out care for others.

That description does not feel entirely distant. Various cities in our own time have carried the label “Sin City,” often associated with visible vices such as gambling, substance use, and other excesses. Yet beneath those labels lies a deeper issue. Where self-indulgence becomes central, people often become secondary. The connection between personal pleasure and harm to others is not always obvious at first, but it tends to reveal itself over time. It is humbling to admit that the problem is not limited to cities with bright lights or well-known reputations. The same tendencies can appear in quieter settings, even in ordinary lives. When the focus shifts toward what we can gain, it becomes easier to overlook how others are affected. It turns out that the distance between ancient Jerusalem and modern life is not as wide as we might prefer to think.

The New Testament addresses this condition directly through the teaching of Jesus. In John 13:34-35, He says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you… By this all people will know that you are my disciples.” This stands in sharp contrast to a world shaped by taking rather than giving. Jesus not only taught this love; He demonstrated it. As Scripture explains, “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Where violence wounds, His love heals. Where selfishness divides, His love restores. The condition Jeremiah described finds its answer not in improved systems but in transformed hearts, shaped by the love that Christ has made known.

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John 16:33, 2 Timothy 3:12, Acts 4:22, Hebrews 11:1, 12:2

Spiritual Baloney!

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
May 31, 2026

I have heard it said that Jesus solves all our problems. I understand the sentiment, and I can point to times when faith has carried me through difficult circumstances in ways I did not expect. Yet Scripture is clear that following Christ does not remove the troubles of life. Jesus Himself said, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). Paul added that “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12), and Luke records that “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). That is not a marketing slogan that would make headlines, but it is the truth. The Christian life does not eliminate problems; it reframes them. It turns out that difficulty is not a sign that something has gone wrong but often evidence that we are walking through the same kind of world everyone else faces.

That reality challenges some popular ideas. I struggle with the claims that if we simply had enough faith, all our problems would disappear. If that were true, then the apostles must have missed the memo. Life has a way of reminding us that faith does not function like a remote control for circumstances. We all know people who love God deeply and still face illness, loss, and hardship. I have had my share of moments when I thought stronger faith might rearrange everything neatly, only to discover that life is not quite so cooperative. It is a bit like expecting a treadmill to move you forward without any effort. The promise of Scripture is not that problems vanish, but that we are not left alone in them. Faith is not a guarantee of ease; it is a steady anchor when the waters are less than calm.

The New Testament directs our attention to Jesus as the center of that anchor. Hebrews tells us to look “to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). He did not avoid suffering; He endured it. Peter writes, “Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example” (1 Peter 2:21). Through Him, faith becomes more than belief that God exists. It becomes trust that God is working even when circumstances are difficult to understand. Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Corrie Ten Boom captured it well: when our eyes are on the world, we feel overwhelmed; when on ourselves, discouraged; when on Jesus, we find rest. In Christ, problems remain, but they no longer define the outcome.

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Proverbs 1:4, Proverbs 27:12

Purpose in our Problems

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
May 30, 2026

According to Proverbs 1:4, Solomon explains his purpose in gathering wisdom: “I want to make the simpleminded wise! I want to warn young men about some problems they will face.” Wisdom, then, is not a collection of facts or a shelf full of information. It is practical insight for navigating life’s difficulties. Proverbs 27:12 adds, “A sensible man watches for problems ahead and prepares to meet them. The simpleton never looks and suffers the consequences.” Scripture is refreshingly honest about life. My mother used to say, “There’s always something!” She often directed that observation toward me, with a tone that suggested I was contributing more than my fair share. Yet she was right. Problems are not rare interruptions; they are part of the normal rhythm of life. Solomon does not promise a trouble-free existence. He prepares us for reality.

That reality traces back to a deeper issue. Life was not always this way. There was a time when humanity lived in what could only be called paradise, but something went wrong. Sin entered, and everything fractured. The world itself reflects that break. The weather misbehaves, the economy stumbles, our bodies remind us they are not permanent, and relationships can be complicated. On top of that, there is an internal struggle. Scripture speaks of the flesh, our own tendencies that pull us in the wrong direction. There is also pressure from the world around us, constantly redefining what matters, and an adversary who would prefer we never notice what is happening. As 1 John 2:16 describes it, “the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life” all work together to create difficulty. If that sounds like a lot, it is. It explains why even simple days can feel more complicated than expected.

Yet Scripture does not leave us with problems alone. It tells us that these difficulties serve a purpose. Paul writes, “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28). That does not mean every situation feels good, but it does mean none of it is wasted. Even in moments of great uncertainty, God is at work. The New Testament directs our attention to Jesus, who faced the full weight of a broken world and overcame it. He said, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Through Him, problems are not removed, but they are placed within a larger story where God’s purpose continues to unfold.

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Go To The Ant!

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
May 29, 2026

Every parent hopes to see their children grow into productive members of society. We take quiet pride in their progress and often speak of their accomplishments with a smile that may or may not be entirely subtle. Scripture recognizes this responsibility and offers practical guidance. In Proverbs, Solomon repeatedly addresses “my son,” urging wisdom in daily living. One memorable example is found in Proverbs 6:6–9: “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise… she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.” The lesson is simple but direct. The ant, without constant supervision, works diligently and prepares for what lies ahead. It is a small creature, yet it carries a large lesson. Solomon’s words gently expose the danger of laziness while pointing toward a life marked by foresight and effort.

That contrast becomes even clearer when we look at Proverbs 30:25: “The ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer.” The reference to ants as “a people” highlights their sense of community. Each one contributes, and together they accomplish what none could do alone. Lennox observes that the ant requires no external prodding, while the sluggard resists even the guidance that is freely offered. The ant understands timing; the sluggard seems to specialize in delay. It is not difficult to see echoes of this in our own routines. We may not lie in bed all day, but we can still find creative ways to postpone what needs to be done. There is always a convenient reason to wait just a little longer. Meanwhile, the ant quietly continues its work, unimpressed by our explanations. It is a humbling comparison, especially when we realize that the problem is not a lack of ability but a lack of consistent effort.

The New Testament deepens this wisdom by connecting it to our life in Christ. Paul writes, “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10), emphasizing responsibility and diligence. At the same time, Scripture reminds us that our efforts are not isolated from God’s work within us. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23). Jesus Himself said, “My Father is working until now, and I am working” (John 5:17), presenting a picture of purposeful activity rooted in divine purpose. In Him, diligence becomes more than a duty; it becomes an expression of faithfulness. The quiet labor of the ant finds its greater meaning when viewed through the life of Christ, who calls His followers to live with intention, responsibility, and steady devotion.

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Proverbs 30:26

An Insignificant Rodent

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
May 28, 2026

After pointing us to the ant as a picture of diligence, Agur gives us another image from the smaller corners of creation: the rock badger. Proverbs 30:26 says, “The rock badgers are a feeble folk, yet they make their homes in the crags.” Nelson’s Bible Dictionary describes this little creature as a rabbit-sized animal, with short ears, sharp teeth, and bright eyes, resembling an overgrown guinea pig. It is not impressive in strength or speed. In fact, it is quite defenseless. Yet it is called wise. Why? Because it knows where to go when danger comes. The badger finds safety among the rocks, where its grip allows it to move easily and its coloring allows it to blend in. It survives not by strength but by shelter. That simple lesson, tucked into a proverb, quietly speaks volumes.

That truth carries over into our daily lives in ways that are both practical and humbling. We often place our confidence in our own abilities, our plans, or our determination, only to discover that those things are not always enough. The badger does not rely on its own strength, and that may be where it is ahead of us. Our Daily Bread described how the badger hides among the rocks, safe from eagles above and lions below. As long as it stays close to the rock, it is secure. If it wanders into the open, it becomes easy prey. There is a lesson there that is difficult to miss, though sometimes easy to ignore. I have noticed that I am quite capable of stepping out from where I should be, usually with great confidence and very little awareness, only to realize later that I have made things harder than they needed to be. The animal world, in its quiet way, often models a wisdom we struggle to practice.

The New Testament directs this lesson toward its true fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Scripture tells us, “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Ephesians 6:10). Strength, in this sense, is not self-generated but received. Jesus Himself spoke of this dependence when He said, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). The imagery of the rock finds its deeper meaning in Him. As David once declared, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress,” so the believer finds security in Christ. He is not simply a place to visit in times of trouble but a refuge in which we live. In Him, what is weak finds strength, and what is vulnerable finds safety.

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Proverbs 30:28, Luke 8:15

Lessons from a Lizard

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
May 27, 2026

Solomon invites us to learn wisdom from small creatures, and his final example in Proverbs 30:28 is easy to overlook. The King James Version reads, “The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings’ palaces,” though many translations suggest it may be a lizard, likely a gecko. Either way, the lesson remains. This tiny creature, easily crushed, somehow finds its way into the most secure places. When we lived in Hawaii, we became well acquainted with these little visitors. We tried everything to remove them, and for three months we fought what turned out to be a losing battle. Eventually, we made peace with the reality that they were not going anywhere. They were persistent. You could remove one, and another would quietly appear, as if they had signed a long-term lease we were not aware of. Their small size did not limit their determination.

That quiet persistence is where the wisdom lies. The gecko, or spider, does not rely on strength or status. It simply keeps going. It holds on, returns, and endures. In our own lives, success often looks less like sudden achievement and more like steady perseverance. We may prefer dramatic breakthroughs, but most progress comes through consistent effort over time. There are moments when we feel worn down, when continuing feels harder than stopping. It is in those moments that the lesson becomes clear. The creature on the wall is not impressive in appearance, yet it accomplishes what it sets out to do by refusing to quit. I can almost picture that little gecko strolling confidently through a king’s palace, as if it belongs there, unbothered by its size or surroundings. It is a gentle reminder that persistence often outlasts ability.

The New Testament reinforces this principle and directs it toward a deeper purpose. Jesus, in the parable of the sower, describes those who bear fruit as people who “hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience” (Luke 8:15). Patience here carries the idea of endurance. It is not about quick results but steady faithfulness. Paul echoes this when he writes, “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Even Jesus endured the cross, showing that perseverance is central to the life of faith. In Him, the quiet persistence of a small creature finds its greater meaning, reminding us that lasting fruit is often the result of simply continuing when it would be easier to stop.

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Genesis 11:1

The Origin of Language

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
May 26, 2026

On every trip to Israel, the journey from Caesarea to Mount Carmel carries layers of history that are hard to ignore. We remember Carmel as the place where Elijah stood against the prophets of Baal, yet modern archaeology adds another intriguing dimension. In the caves near present-day Haifa, scientists discovered a hyoid bone, a small floating bone in the throat that enables human speech. Isaac Moseson, in his article “The Origin of Language,” points out that while animals may communicate in limited ways, nothing compares to the complexity of human language. Two elements are necessary for such speech: a greatly enlarged brain capable of reasoning and the physical structure that allows words to be formed. He notes that this expanded capacity resembles the Genesis description of God “breathing” life into humanity. Interestingly, the oldest known hyoid bone was found not in distant regions of speculation, but in this very area connected to biblical history.

These findings quietly intersect with our daily lives in ways we might overlook. We use language constantly, often without thinking about its origin or its power. Words can build, encourage, clarify, or just as easily confuse and wound. I have noticed that it is much easier to speak than it is to speak wisely, a truth that shows up regularly at the dinner table and, if I am being honest, in the mirror. A few careless words can undo a great deal of effort, while a thoughtful sentence can restore what seemed lost. Scripture reminds us that our speech reflects something deeper within us. James writes, “The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things” (James 3:5). That small bone in the throat carries more influence than we might expect. The idea that all humanity may trace its language and even its ancestry back to a single origin also carries a quiet reminder that we are more connected than we often assume, even when our conversations suggest otherwise.

The New Testament brings this theme into sharper focus by revealing the purpose of human speech in relation to Jesus Christ. John writes, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Language itself finds its deepest meaning in Him. Through Christ, communication is not merely functional but relational. He is the Word made flesh, the ultimate expression of God’s desire to be known. Paul adds, “Let your speech always be gracious” (Colossians 4:6), pointing toward a use of language shaped by grace. The same God who gave humanity the ability to speak has also spoken to us through His Son, bringing clarity, truth, and life.

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