 “As you follow the Lord Jesus, may you be one who sets your face to finish the course the Father has set before you. May God bless you in the afternoon of your life and make you a faithful follower of Jesus.”
Christopher Ash, Not Old, Not Young, Not Done Here I am, in that lovely stage of life referred to as “perimenopause” which may last from 2 to 67 years. (Yes, I pronounced that as six-seeeven when I typed it -- I am a middle school teacher, after all). Our kids have left the nest, I am counting the days (and seconds) until retirement, and I am trying to age semi-gracefully. So when I spotted Christopher Ash’s book “Not Old, Not Young, Not Done: Following Jesus in Your 50s and 60s”, it only took me 6-7 seconds to decide to add it to my TBR list. After a couple of hot flashes, I quickly decided to upgrade the book from my ever-growing TBR list to the MRN (must read now) list. Within a few chapters, it had me nodding and thinking, this should go on my RAS (read again soon) list. I found myself wishing that this book had been published twenty years ago so that I could have been more prepared when the hormone roller coaster started. The “Menopause” appendix by Sarah Allen was itself worth the price of the book. (And yes, now her book Pause is on my TBR list.) With that said, don’t overlook this book if you are in your 40s, or 30s, or even 20s. It is never too soon to think about how we can follow Jesus faithfully in any stage of life. Ash’s book has a redemptive focus for every aspect of aging. Yes, we are going to lose muscle. Our reaction times will slow (oh good, now I have a legitimate excuse for being clumsy and uncoordinated). Our bodies will deteriorate (spoiler alert) and our minds are not exempt, either. Our frustration over these changes is because these things are not supposed to be normal. The creaky joints and leaky bladders are a reminder of the weight of sin. But as believers we know that this weight is light compared to the weight of glory that is coming (2 Corinthians 4:17). As I dove into this book, I kept thinking of people from our church—walking, talking examples of everything Ash was describing! I met regularly with a woman who, even before retirement was on the horizon, would talk about the plans that she and her husband had for serving after retirement. Ash encourages us to establish Titus 2 relationships — both with older believers who can help us and younger believers that we can mentor. These encouragements challenged me to reexamine how much time I spend filling my TBR list—and how little time I invest in relationships. Our bodies may be sagging and our minds may be lagging, but Ash gently reminds us that we can’t use those as an excuse to slack off in consistent godly habits. Reading our Bible, praying, and serving others can keep our hearts focused on an eternal perspective. Ash also warns us of the temptation to think that aging means we have earned the right to be grumpy or selfish. This made me pause — I can’t use second puberty as an excuse to treat others poorly. It is so easy to be blind to my faults and motives. These are reminders that I need to rely on Christ and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in my life. So, even as I struggle to make it through another day when I am mad at the world or feel like crying for no reason — his strength is evident in my weakness. From this book I learned that there is no retirement from growth in grace and sanctification. I can find ways to intentionally and diligently glorify God and serve others. I can even find joy amidst the rollercoaster of menopause and ever-changing middle school lingo. Because my identity is rooted in Christ, I am not defined by my physical and mental limitations. Because I am anchored by the hope found in his Word, I can do more than just survive —I can thrive. The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. Psalm 92:12-15 (ESV)
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 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:1-4 What did you notice when you read the text of Ephesians 6:1-4? The command to children: “honor your father and mother” and the command to parents: “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” probably stood out. But what about the command to parents that Paul gives before he says “bring them up”? He gives a negative command even before the positive command. But the negative part of this verse is sometimes overlooked. It is easy for us to see the “specks” in our children’s eyes when we are training them, but we may miss the “beams” in our own eyes (Matthew 7:3-5). As we examine our “beams” through the lens of Scripture, we can begin to understand how we may unintentionally provoke our children to anger. Our lack of discipline, our words, our quick reactions, and our busy schedules may be hindering our efforts to bring up our children in the Lord. Proverbs 22:15 explains that discipline helps a child see the foolishness of his actions. Consequences and instruction are a crucial part of bringing up our children in the Lord. So as we consider what it means to provoke our children to anger, it’s important to clarify that this doesn’t mean that we should never deny our children something they want or avoid doing something they won’t like. As Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:29-32, our words should be gracious and kind. We should strive to speak encouraging and uplifting words whenever possible. Do we only quote Scripture when our children have been disobedient or disrespectful? And when we reprimand them, do we also demonstrate forgiveness when they have shown a desire to change? Frequent reminders of the gospel, grace, and forgiveness are crucial aspects of parenting — for ourselves and for our children! In addition to careful consideration of our words, it is also helpful to understand when it would be better to refrain from speaking. Proverbs 18:13 says “If a man gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” Pausing, listening carefully, and even taking time to pray before we speak can prevent misunderstanding. Resisting the urge to instantly provide an answer shows patience and humility and reflects God’s character to our children. Our words are important, but God’s words are even more important. In Deuteronomy 6:6-8, Moses tells the Israelites that they are to have God’s words in their heart and then they need to repeat them to their children throughout their daily routines. Learning about Scripture at church isn’t enough. If we neglect to talk about his Word on a daily basis, our children will have trouble understanding that Scripture is applicable to all aspects of our lives. Taking advantage of teaching moments during the course of the day is one way to provide consistent training in the Lord. Using windows of opportunity throughout the day is one way to incorporate God’s word into the rhythms of our lives. But it is also worthwhile to examine our schedules throughout the week. Do we set aside large chunks of time just to rest together as a family at home? Or are our schedules so full that we are rushing from one event to another? All our activities — sports, church ministry, clubs, music lessons — may be enjoyable and good. But when they crowd out the priorities of time with God and family, they become distractions from what is most important. These are some of the ways we may drift into habits that can provoke our children to anger. I am reminded of all the ways that we fell short in our parenting. We reacted in anger when we should have paused and prayed. We had seasons of busyness when dinner together at the table was a rare occasion. Sometimes I failed to see all the ways our kids were changing and growing more like Christ — and only focused on what they could do better. But we also know that neither our parenting nor our children’s salvation and growth in Christlikeness is dependent on our efforts. Jesus is the only perfect son — he lived a sinless life. Then he willingly suffered the punishment that we deserve. Jesus conquered sin and death once for all and was raised. It is in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection that we have hope for our children and ourselves. The cross reminds us that we can turn to God in repentance when we realize we have done something to provoke our children to anger. And then we can turn to our children to ask for their forgiveness. We can demonstrate humility when we fail and show forgiveness and grace when our children fail. We are responsible to parent faithfully while relying on the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. But in the end, what our children need most is not perfect parents, but a perfect Savior.  We sing to Yahweh
We praise the Almighty He is our God He is the warrior Who has power over the enemy Holy, Holy, Holy God has triumphed -- we respond together Like the stars at creation From bondage and darkness He has led through the sea And we give thanks with melody Our song tells the story God has saved us through judgment The enemy boasted of certain victory Yahweh shattered him with fury Our song is a witness -- Of what God has done He has guided us and redeemed us When we go astray These words bring us back to truth We sing, we pray, we cry What we know is true The world is watching Let them see the power of your arm Let them hear us singing boldly We sing for the journey ahead When the way forward is uncertain We look back to remember We know that victory is at hand We sing for those who can’t-- When the storms threaten In weakness and in doubt -- Our voices carry them to the cross Anchoring them in hope We will be together someday Singing together of deliverance A choir of peoples praising him The song of Moses and the Lamb Free from the vanquished enemy We exalt the Almighty Who has power over the nations We worship you Yahweh You and you alone Holy, Holy, Holy Scripture references: Exodus 15; Revelation 15 This piece was inspired by a sermon preached by Pastor Ken Winter (Heritage Fellowship Church, Springfield, Ohio on January 11, 2026). You can watch the full sermon here.  New Year. New resolutions. New Bible reading plan. But wait, why are we talking about New Year’s resolutions in March? Because I suspect that, for many of us, our reading plan fizzled out somewhere around February 21. Or the lists of unclean animals in Leviticus.
We all know it’s important to read Scripture regularly. So we choose a Bible reading plan and then life happens. We forget a few days and then spend extra time rushing through to catch up. Fatigue and stress hinder our efforts -- so we skim quickly, check the box, and move on with our day. We don’t feel encouraged or inspired; we wonder if it’s worth the time. Sigh. I’ve been there. My bookmark has stalled in Leviticus many times! So how do we make good on our reading resolutions? How do we read all of Scripture -- yes, even Leviticus -- regularly, thoughtfully, and productively? Maybe we need to change our perspective! We typically see Bible reading as a plan to be executed with checkboxes to mark. Instead of thinking of it as another part of our “to do” list, let’s approach Bible reading as an adventure. This adventure is a life-changing experience! As Proverbs 2:4-5 says, “If you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.” Here are some ways to embark on your treasure-seeking, Bible reading adventure. Chart your treasure map. It’s great to have a goal, but expecting to finish the Bible in a year may not be realistic. If you’ve chosen a year-long plan, ignore the dates. When you miss a day, just start where you left off. Don’t try to catch up on one, two, or twelve, days all at once. If it takes 615 days instead of 365 -- you’ve still read the entire Bible. That’s reason for celebration! Adjust your compass. As long as you are ignoring the dates, rather than working through the reading plan each day, make a goal of reading 4-5 times a week. Then use the other days to spend time reading for your small group study, looking back at the sermon notes from the last week, or doing a deeper dive on a topic or passage. Widen your treasure field. Since you won’t be following the plan every day, consider reading the Bible like you would another piece of literature. Read 5-10 chapters at once. You will start to see the repeated ideas and get a better feel for the human author’s style and tone. Return to the treasure. Another way to notice themes and tone from a specific book of the Bible is to read that book repeatedly over a short period of time. Instead of quickly moving on to the next book, read it again. And maybe a third time. This is the first step in doing an in-depth study of the book! Survey your treasure. After you read, write a one sentence summary of each chapter. If you use a journaling Bible, write it at the top of the page. Or start a notebook just for chapter summaries. This is a great tool to help you remember what you read. When you start reading the next day, go back and read the summaries from the previous chapters. It will remind you of the context of what you are about to read. Chapter summaries are also a great way to create an outline of the book if you are going to do a deeper study of the book. Seek help from the treasure’s Master. Ready your heart to learn from the Word by asking for help from the Author! Matt Smethhurst encourages us to read humbly, joyfully, desperately, studiously, obediently, expectantly, communally, and Christocentrically. In his book, Before You Open Your Bible: Nine Postures for Approaching God’s Word, he explains how these heart attitudes can reenergize our Bible reading adventure. Celebrate the quest. Treasure-seeking can be exciting, but it can also be hard work. You may get lost; you may not find nuggets of wisdom. Your adventure doesn’t always end in feeling encouraged or inspired. That’s okay! Your feelings are not the indication of the effectiveness of the Word. Regardless of the immediate outcome, you can be assured that God is working in your life through his Word. Spend some time thanking Him for Scripture and how His Word will bear fruit in the days and years to come. The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Psalm 19:7-11  For a long time, I assumed that meditation was unbiblical — rooted in paganism or mysticism, and to be avoided. Through a sermon series on Psalm 119, our pastor taught us that meditation helps us grow more like Christ. I realized that meditation is not something to fear — as long as it is rooted in Scripture and God-honoring truth.
In the first part of this series, we saw biblical meditation focuses on his Word, his works, and his character. It is a delight that prayerfully engages our minds and emotions to transform our lives through the work of the Holy Spirit. Regrettably, some Christian resources may encourage models of meditation that seem biblical because they use Scripture or familiar Christian language. However, these models often draw from unbiblical traditions and repackage them to appear biblical. In part 2 of the series, we will see how some practices stray from faithful biblical meditation. Straying from God’s Word Some Christian resources encourage repeating phrases from Scripture, often paired with breathing techniques to produce relaxation and spiritual insight. For example, an author might suggest we could use Philippians 4:13 and say over and over: “I can do all things”. Focusing only on these few words leaves out the rest of the verse (and its crucial context) and uses Scripture as a magical mantra to help us feel calm. Biblical meditation will consider the context and original intent of the passage. This doesn’t mean that we must always do thorough Bible study, but taking a few minutes to read surrounding verses helps us frame faithful meditation. Another common practice involves overspiritualizing Scripture or taking Scripture too literally. For example, the Psalms use figurative language to describe God as our shield and rock. So we may be instructed to focus on that imagery if we are feeling fearful or anxious. Images like these were meant to help us understand who God is, not replace thoughts of him with mental pictures of specific objects. Or we may be instructed to use David’s victory over Goliath as a means to guide us in meditation on how we can “slay our giants”. These are subtle shifts that move us away from meditation rooted in the God-breathed purpose for the passage. Meditation may be described as a means of seeking new revelation or insights outside of Scripture. This method appeals to our desire to learn from God’s word — but in reality it leads us away from the truth of Scripture to trusting our own impressions. Sometimes proponents of this method will even instruct us to “empty” our minds so this can happen. In contrast, faithful meditation involves filling our minds with God’s truth and working to understand Scripture. The Bible contains everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Searching for “new” ideas implies that Scripture is not sufficient. Forgetting God’s works As we seek to use discernment, we will notice practices that overshadow God’s works. We can easily think that a meditative method will guarantee self-healing or provide escape from difficult circumstances. They may encourage specific techniques to achieve our goal. For example, unbiblical methods may suggest visualizing a bright place, imagining that we are rising above our surroundings, or doing specific breathing techniques. These practices pull us away from dependence on God and Scripture. Instead, we begin to trust in our ability to follow specific steps or creatively escape reality. It is not our words or postures that give us peace. It is Christ’s work on the cross that has brought us peace and reconciliation with God. When Job wrestled with suffering, God reminded him of His mighty works (Job 38–41). In the same way, we can meditate on God’s deeds—His creation and providence—reminding ourselves to trust Him. Meditating on God’s faithfulness in the past will comfort us because we know that he still works for good for those who love him (Romans 8:28). Distorting God’s Character Many of the same practices that undermine God’s word and works also diminish his character. They emphasize achieving inner enlightenment rather than trusting in God’s holiness, power, and wisdom. These techniques make us think we are in control by using special words or techniques. For example, a meditation method may prompt us to “tap into the divine within”. This views God as an energy or an impersonal force that can be accessed through the right mindset. These approaches shift our view of God from sovereign Lord to a piece in our spiritual “toolbox” —something we use rather than someone we worship and obey. We worship and obey the holy, triune God; he is not a power to be manipulated. Some practices might suggest repeating positive proclamations — such as “I am divine” or “I am open to healing.” While these may seem comforting and affirming, they distort God’s character by placing ultimate authority and power within ourselves. Rather than humbling us before a holy and sovereign God, they elevate the self and minimize our need for God’s grace and wisdom. Biblical meditation based on God’s word reminds us that God is the reason we “live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). These are examples of some ways that meditation may drift from focusing on God’s word, his work, and his character. Now let’s consider an example of what faithful biblical meditation may look like. As we read Mark 9, we notice that Jesus was compassionate and caring. He saw people in need of a Shepherd — this moved him to teach them and provide for them. This can remind us of how we have fallen short of following Christ’s example. We can humbly ask God give us compassion for the people around us and help us find specific ways to care for them. Biblical meditation isn’t a mystical process that focuses only on our feelings and leads us to a higher spiritual plane. Faithful engagement with Scripture changes us to be more like Christ. We turn to him in prayer and use the truths in his Word to know, love, and follow him. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14  Meditation is everywhere right now—apps, playlists, breathing techniques, and guided practices promise peace, clarity, and rest. Yet many Christians are wary of meditative practices. Is meditation biblical, or is it something we should avoid? Scripture not only answers that question, it describes meditation that is God-centered. Rather than emptying the mind, biblical meditation fills it—with truth, with worship, and with hope.
How do we meditate in a way that is honoring and pleasing to God? As with all other aspects of faithful living, we need to look to God’s word to guide the way. The Bible shows us why we should meditate, what we should meditate on, when to meditate, and how to meditate. What do we meditate on? Multiple times in Psalm 119, we learn that we should meditate on God’s word. Psalm 77:12 and Psalm 143:5 tell us to meditate on his works and all he has done. We are also to meditate on God and his character, as we see in Psalm 145:5: “On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate”. In the New Testament, Paul gives us list of things we can think on — whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Each of these attributes can be used to describe God’s word, his works, and his character. As we are thinking about these things, we are doing faithful meditation. The next time you see a beautiful sunset, you can use that to remind you of who God is. When you read a verse that praises God, pause and reread, and take a moment to worship him. Why do we meditate? Psalm 1:1-2 tells us the one who delights in the law of Yahweh is the one who meditates on it. We should meditate because it is our joy to do so. Psalm 119:97-99 reminds us that meditating on God’s testimonies makes us wise and gives us understanding. This isn’t mere intellectual knowledge, rather wisdom is knowledge applied to godly living. When Joshua had stepped in as Israel’s new leader before they entered the Promised Land, Moses reminded him to meditate on the law so that he would be careful to obey it (Joshua 1:8). Reading the Bible should be more than just another item to complete on our to-do list. Taking the time to pause, ponder, and consider what we read should be a joy and a delight. When do we meditate? Joshua was commanded to meditate on the law day and night (Joshua 1:8). The psalmist says he meditates all the day (Psalm 119:97) and in the watches of the night (Psalm 63:6). In Psalm 77 we see that Asaph meditates when he is weak, weary, and confused. Psalm 119:23, 78 shows the psalmist meditating even when others are against him. So whether it is day or night — literally or figuratively — we can and should meditate. This does not mean that we are expected to become hermits in the desert who only read the Bible and meditate. But it does remind us that meditating can happen at all times. So when you are awake at night, feeding the baby for the third time — meditate on the Word. When you are folding another load of laundry after caring for a sick family member, think about his Word. On the commute to work — use the time to meditate! How do we meditate? The verses that we have already considered in Joshua, the Psalms, and Philippians help us form some guidelines for what meditation looks like. Meditation is in the “heart”—the inner person where our thoughts, desires, and beliefs form. It is not just an exercise of the mind, it also engages the emotions (delight, joy, crying out, struggling). Biblical meditation gives words to our emotions and the Word can move our hearts. As we repeat a verse, we can focus on different words in the verse. We can use a verse as a prayer to God and consider how to apply it to daily living. So we have broken biblical meditation down into why, what, when, and how by looking at what God’s word has to say. But what does that look (or sound) like when we are actually meditating? There isn’t a five-step formula or cute acronym to follow for faithful meditation. Each time is going to be different, depending on our circumstances, time constraints, and frame of mind. I will give a couple of examples of what meditation has looked like for me. A few months ago I was sick with a mysterious virus. So when I was lying on the couch — praying for the symptoms to go away — I would think of Bible verses to anchor myself in God’s word. One time, I meditated and prayed through Philippians 4:8. This is (roughly) how it went: Think about what is true…I am thankful that my husband can take time off work to be here with me. God’s word is true, and his mercies are new every day. What is just…it doesn’t seem just or fair that I would get sick. But I know that sickness isn’t the way things are supposed to be. And there will be no sickness in the new heavens and earth. What is lovely…the sun and sky outside are pretty, and I am thankful that God created beautiful things for us to enjoy. God promises that his peace will guard my mind. Even when my thoughts are fuzzy because of a headache, his peace guards me—a peace given through the reconciliation Christ accomplished for me on the cross. It wasn’t perfect. My thoughts were jumbled at times. I was still sick, but God’s word had kept me from sinking into despair over the physical symptoms I was experiencing. By way of another example, recently I had been reflecting on Galatians 2 after a sermon our pastor preached. As he was talking about Galatians 2:16, I had only thought of “works of the law” as referring specifically the Mosaic laws in Exodus and Leviticus. I never had gotten caught up in trying to follow all those laws to try to earn my salvation, so I figured that this wasn’t a “problem” for me. But over the next few days, that verse kept coming back to my mind. I began to realize that I had created another set of “laws” in my own mind that I had been trying to follow. I was cut to the heart by this discovery. Later that week, I sat down and slowly read through Galatians 2, using the words for prayer and meditation. I paused at each verse, often stopping to mourn how I had trusted my own efforts, rather than Christ’s work on the cross. Confession and repentance followed and I asked God to show me how to live out the truth of justification by faith — rather than making rules and expectations for myself that I thought would earn his acceptance. These two examples are not meant to be a step-by-step how-to method. They show that meditation can take different forms and be spurred on by different circumstances. When we are focusing on God’s word, his works, his character, and his promises they become the catalyst for spiritual growth and reliance on God. Biblical meditation is not about physical postures, techniques, altered states, or detachment from reality. It is about engaging God’s Word with our whole selves—mind, heart, and will. It is time spent pondering who God is, what he has done, and how he wants us to live. Faithful meditation fuels faithful living!  In one of the episodes of Little House on the Prairie, Laura Ingalls and her friend, Andy, track down a thief who has been stealing pies and other food from people in Walnut Grove. They use whatever tools they have available — including spreading flour on the counters at the town store to “dust” for fingerprints. They are persistent in their search, to the dismay of their parents and other community members who get caught up in the consequences of their sleuthing. (Spoiler alert: Laura’s father ends up with green paint dumped on his head!)
So what does their detective work have to do with the Bible? We need to be a bit like detectives to “find Jesus” in the Old Testament. Our task may be a bit easier than it was for the Walnut Grove detectives, because we already know who we are looking for. We know that Jesus came and lived among his people at a specific point in human history (this is usually referred to as the “incarnation”). We also know that the Bible gives us clues as to his eternal existence before he was conceived in the womb of a young girl named Mary. But how do we know if something in the Old Testament really is pointing to Jesus, or if we are stretching our imagination a little too far? And then we have words like theophanies. And Christophanies. And who is Melchizedek (is that even spelled right??). What — or who — is an Angel of the LORD? What do they have to do with Jesus in the Old Testament? Our detective work seems to raise more questions than answers, but Mike Winger helps us work through some of these ideas in his YouTube series: How to Find Jesus in the Old Testament. Mike Winger’s conversational and witty teaching style are easy to follow. As we join him on a journey through the Old Testament, he shows us clues for finding Jesus. We search with him as he reads passages in their context, and he helps us see the “fingerprints” that God has put there for us to find. As we follow the trail, Mike Winger also gives us the tools we need to understand how to faithfully interpret those clues. As we go through each video, we learn guiding principles that we can rely on when we come across other passages that may have more clues. Mike Winger’s passion for Scripture and love for God shine through at each moment. The time seems to fly as we observe each interesting, fascinating, awe-inspiring detail in Scripture. The videos are presented in a style that will appeal to young and seasoned Scripture detectives. Watch these videos with a Bible, pen, notebook, and magnifying glass in hand because there is so much to see! The clues are in Scripture and its Author wants us to find them.  You’ve probably heard Christians say, “God showed up.”
It’s a familiar phrase, used in moments when God’s help or presence seems stronger than at other times. “God really showed up at church this Sunday.” “Our car was totaled, but God showed up and provided.” “Things were tense with my friend, but God showed up and helped us work it out.” “This year has been overwhelming, but God showed up and gave us strength.” Most of the time, we know exactly what people mean. They’re not making a theological statement—they’re expressing gratitude. They’re describing a time when they were aware of God’s care. And that impulse—to praise God and recognize his kindness—is a good one. But what are we really saying when we use that phrase? If God “showed up” at that moment, does that mean he was absent before? What about the Sundays when the music doesn’t move us? Or the situations where the money doesn’t come, the relationship stays broken, or the struggle doesn’t resolve? What about the long seasons where God feels silent, distant, or hard to find? Scripture tells us that God is never absent. We are never outside his care or attention. He is not more present in our victories than in our suffering, or more attentive in our joy than in our grief. Psalm 139 reminds us that there is nowhere we can go where God is not already there. And yet, there are moments when we become more aware of him. Moments when the fog lifts just enough for us to see his hand at work. Moments when strength arrives that we know didn’t come from ourselves. Moments when we look back and realize God was carrying us all along. Perhaps what we mean when we say “God showed up” is not that he suddenly arrived—but that we finally noticed. That distinction matters, not because we want to police language, but because it shapes how we understand God. He is not waiting on the sidelines until circumstances improve. He is not “off duty” in our confusion, weakness, or pain. He is steadily, faithfully at work—even when we don’t feel it. So maybe instead of saying “God showed up,” we can say things like: “This service was especially encouraging.” “God provided in a way we didn’t expect.” “God helped us take steps toward reconciliation.” “Looking back, I can see how God sustained us during that season.” These kinds of words remind us that his presence isn’t dependent on our awareness of it. And when someone does say, “God showed up,” we don’t need to correct them. We can receive it for what it usually is: a sincere expression of praise. But in our own hearts—and in our own words—we can remember the quieter, steadier truth. God didn’t just arrive. He is always here. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:7-10  The following devotional is intentionally written to illustrate common missteps in Bible study. Before you dive into Quill’s devotional, take a moment to think about a few things. Notice which of Quill’s repeated words or ideas actually appear in Acts 9:36–43. As you read, see what actions the devotional suggests lead to healing, revival, or miracles. Also consider whether the passage presents those actions as causes or simply as events surrounding God’s work. Pay attention to the outcomes Quill expects for believers today. Keeping these questions in mind will help you practice careful, thoughtful reading and grow in discernment. Devoted Dorcas Part 3 By Quill Meanwell We have spent a couple days now learning about Dorcas, the disciples, and the widows. They experienced a miracle and we can too! Read the passage again and look for the hints of healing and restoration. Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner. Acts 9:36-43 Dorcas was alive! They all saw her -- Peter, the saints, the widows. The word spread quickly, and soon all of Joppa knew what Peter had done! Dorcas had a second chance at life. The weeping widows had their mourning changed to dancing. But the miracle didn’t stop there. Joppa experiences a revival! Many believed and Peter stayed to keep the flames of revival burning. Dorcas was dead. She was physically healed. Because of Dorcas’ resurrection, the town experienced a spiritual revival. How did this happen? Let’s look at the story closely. The friends washed Dorcas’s dead body. This was not a pleasant task, and yet they served the one who had served them. The disciples realized that they couldn’t fix the problem on their own. They asked for help from Peter. The widows were weeping.They showed Peter evidence of Dorcas’ faithful ministry. Peter knelt, and prayed. We all need healing -- maybe physical, maybe spiritual, maybe both. Our hearts, our town, our country, our world needs a revival. We can serve like Dorcas’s friends did. We can stoop into unpleasant places of service and provide cleansing for those who need it. We need to remember that we can’t expect to get healing on our own. We work together with others who are humble and have faith. We kneel in prayer and can confidently look for revival to come. Service, cooperation, and prayer will produce miracles in our life. We can expect things “beyond all that we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:19) if we minister together and pray humbly. We can see that Quill gives us the larger passage and encourages us to read it in full again. Reading a Bible passage repeatedly is an effective part of observing what the Bible says. Since we've read the passage a few times now, we'll probably easily notice how Quill goes beyond what the Scripture actually says. Quill keeps pulling on our heartstrings by using words like healing and revival. We don’t see those words in the text.
With careful consideration we can see that Quill seems to imply that the widows, disciples, and Peter were the ones who made the miracle happen and caused a revival. Sure, the Bible talks about sacrificial service, unity, and humble prayer in other places. But Acts 9 doesn't actually say these things are required for healing or revival. The author even pulls in Ephesians 3:19 to suggest we should expect amazing, supernatural results from serving and praying. Making these actions the prerequisite for healing or revival can easily slip into promoting a "prosperity gospel." When we expect our actions result in an instant, visible blessing from God, it's like treating Him like a genie. God can heal and revive, absolutely, but He doesn't need our service or prayers to perform miracles. These words tug at our hearts because as believers we all long for the time when death, sickness, and sin are wiped away. We may see glimpses of healing and revival before the new heavens and the new earth are a reality. However, neither Acts 9 nor Ephesians 3:19 were written so that we could expect these as guaranteed experiences here and now. As we read all of the New Testament, we see that Peter, Paul, and other apostles and disciples endured physical trials and persecution without immediate relief. Stephen, James, Peter, and Paul died like Dorcas did. Their hope was not in doing the right things or praying in the right way to get blessings. Their hope was in the promise of their future resurrection. As we engage with Christian resources, when a devotional stirs strong emotions, it is helpful to take a moment to check whether the application comes from what Scripture says. We can discover practical applications to Scripture from faithful observation, rather than from emotional pull. Dorcas’s resurrection reminds us that God has the final word over death, loss, and disappointment, and our ultimate hope is in Christ. Just as the widows, disciples, and Peter played different roles in God’s work, we can live out our faith together—encouraging one another, serving faithfully, and trusting God to accomplish what only He can do. Even if we don’t see immediate results, we can take comfort in His power and the promise of resurrection, knowing that our faithful participation in community points others toward Him.  The following devotional is written by a fictitious character to illustrate common missteps in Bible study. You can find Part 1 of the Devoted Dorcas series in the Learning Discernment category on the blog. As you read this devotional, notice the instructions Quill gives before the Bible passage. Consider how the introduction and commentary use feelings or emotions to shape what we take away from the text. Pause to think through how Scripture is observed and interpreted in the devotional. Look for the main purpose of the text, and notice how—or if—Quill points us toward the gospel. Devoted Dorcas Part 2 By Quill Meanwell Today we will continue to learn from the story of Dorcas and Peter. As you read this passage again, imagine how you would feel if you were the widows, the disciples, and Peter. Be present with your feelings and allow the Holy Spirit to fill your heart with peace and light. Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner. Acts 9:36-43 We are told about a woman named Tabitha, or Dorcas. We don’t learn much about her before tragedy hits. This was a sad time for the widows in Joppa. They were devastated by the loss of a loved one. What are memories of a friend or loved one that you treasure? Do you remember them for the ways they served others or for their personal successes? Often our obituaries are a resume of achievements. In our mourning we remember how they overcame obstacles and inspired us to achieve our goals. In contrast, the example of the weeping widows in Acts 9 reminds us to look back at how others have served well, rather than their personal successes. The disciples knew that Peter could help. They knew that he had healed others, so perhaps they thought that he could at least offer comfort and hope to Dorcas’ grieving friends. They didn’t waste time sending someone to find Peter. Is this our default response when we see someone grieving? Do we look for resources that can help them? Or do we offer a quick condolence and go on with our day? “Thoughts and prayers” are nice, but concrete action speaks louder. When we grieve, we can follow the example of the weeping widows and the determined disciples. As the devotional begins, Quill asks us to consider how we would feel and expect a positive, harmonious result from our time spent studying the passage. Emotions are created by God; they are not inherently sinful. However, because of the effects of sin, we need to be careful of putting too much emphasis on emotions for guiding our Scripture reading. We can use Scripture and prayer to guide our thoughts so that we then respond correctly with emotions and actions that glorify God.
If we compare this Devoted Dorcas devotional to the first one, we see that Quill jumps quickly to application without any further observation or interpretation. The feelings that have been stirred in us through the introductory comments lead Quill to draw out applications based on our empathy with the mourners in the story. The challenges Quill gives are valid ways to respond biblically to the death of a loved one. Unfortunately, this application pulls our focus away from the main intent of the passage. We notice that this devotional moves quickly to engage our emotions by talking about how we grieve. But Acts 9 does not present the widows primarily as a model for godly grieving. Rather, Luke records this miracle to highlight God’s power and the way it validates the gospel message that Peter and the disciples were spreading. Dorcas’s resurrection points beyond the story itself to the greater hope we have in Christ. We can take comfort in this truth, knowing the Christ defeated sin and death through his life, death, and resurrection. When we grieve, we do not grieve hope. Just as He used Peter to bring life and show His glory, we can live in hope, serve others, and rely on Him in every situation, knowing that His promises are true. But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ESV |
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