October 2020

WholeLife Daily Reflections

Preparation for Worship on Saturday, October 31

While We Wait: Daniel

Friday, October 30

Psalm 27:13-14

Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

God Who Does Not Hesitate, you are always working. You continuously create, sustain, protect, plan, grieve, rejoice, heal, and bring hope. There is not a place where you are not moving, nor an action that escapes your glance. Even when I am unaware of how you work, I will wait with quiet expectation to know your will. Amen.

Music: To the End

Thursday, October 29

Devotional: The Miracle You Don’t Think to Pray For

annvoskamp.com/2016/09/the-other-kind-of-miracle-the-one-you-dont-think-to-pray-for

Romans 8:26-28

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Healing God, you hear prayers that never make it to words. You understand the hearts of your children and gently heal their wounds in unexpected ways. While I wait with surety that I know what is best, thank you for knowing what is better, loving me more than I realize, and speaking deeply to my soul. Amen.

Music: I Surrender

Wednesday, October 28

Devotional: Everything I Know About Prayer I Learned from George Carlin

Colossians 4:2

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

Elohim Shama, God Who Hears, you are infinite and gracious, faithful and full of mercy. Your promises are sure, and your love never fails. You find joy in the prayers of your children and accept each word with compassion. I need the strength of your presence and want to be changed by you. Amen.

Music: Simple Gospel

Tuesday, October 27

Devotional: God’s Timing

Ecclesiastes 3:11

Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.

Yahweh, you are holy and worthy of praise. You do not fret about time. You act with measured wisdom, knowing the beginning to the end. I will place my trust in your sovereignty and rest in the love that offers me hope for today and tomorrow. Amen.

Music: Yahweh

Monday, October 26

Devotional: The Vision of a Ram and a Goat

John 16:33

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

Victorious Savior, you have already won the battle. You have defeated death and cast aside the grave. You have revealed your love and answered the lies of Satan. You are the Eternal and Omnipotent God. I will share the grace you give me and build your kingdom boldly in my world. Amen.

Music: Battle Belongs

Sunday, October 25

Devotional: Daniel’s Prayer

Matthew 7:9-11

You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

Gracious Provider, you are wise, and you are fair. You are righteous, and your care for your creation is unending and sufficient. You have numbered the hairs on my head, and you delight in showing me mercy. I know I am loved, and I trust in your care. Amen.

Music: Love That Saves

Preparation for Worship on Saturday, October 24

While We Wait: Moses

Friday, October 23

Devotional: The Work You Can Do While You Wait

2 Timothy 2:15

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

Majestic God, you can do all things. There is nothing you lack; you are complete. You bless your children with work—with opportunities to contribute to the world in meaningful ways. Open my heart and mind to the potential before me. Help me to embrace my journey and fulfill the mission you provide. Amen.

Music: Available

Thursday, October 22

Devotional: It’s Your Call

Isaiah 43:10

“But you are my witnesses, O Israel!” says the Lord. “You are my servant. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God— there never has been, and there never will be.

Holy YHWH, God of all Nations and Creator of All Things, you are slow to anger and quick to forgive. Your mercy is undeserved but given freely. Too often, I find myself slow to speak, and reluctant to act when your Spirit moves me. Give me discernment to know your will and strength to overcome my fear. Amen.

Music: With Me (David’s Song)

Wednesday, October 21

Devotional: As You Wait

Psalm 94:18-19

I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.

Watchful God, like a mother bending over the crib of her newborn or a father anxious in the bleachers at his child’s first game, you watch patiently over those you love. There is nothing of which you are not aware, and you remain especially close when the journey is rough. Help me to know your presence, trust your will, and rest in your grace. Amen.

Music: To Those Who Wait

Tuesday, October 20

Devotional: Wait in Patience

Philippians 4:6-7

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Sustaining Rock, your way is not always easy, and your answers do not always come quickly. But you dwell in the midst of discord, and your presence brings hope. Help me to acknowledge the challenges before me and face them with trust in you. Amen.

Music: See a Victory

Monday, October 19

Devotional: Why Is God So Big on Patience?

James 1:2-4

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

Faithful Sovereign, you are the Creator and Protector of all things. Your view of time and life is from an eternal perspective, and you are actively present. I cannot comprehend the vastness of the future, and sometimes I am bogged down in the cares of the present. Still my soul to trust that you hold my heart with compassion and will provide the strength I need today. Amen.

Music: Catch Me Singing

Sunday, October 18

Devotional: 5 Reasons God Makes Us Wait

James 1:2-4

Merciful Potter, you created this world in love. You fashioned humanity with honor. Your every intention is with anticipation of redemption and a restored relationship of trust. Help me to relinquish control and allow you to mold me into the person who will reflect your grace in my world. Amen.

Music: Gold

Preparation for Worship on Saturday, October 17

While We Wait: Joseph

Friday, October 16

Devotional: Are You Done “Waiting” for Peace?

Psalm 34:11-14

Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

Sar-Shalom, Prince of Peace, you stepped foot on this earth in a journey toward reconciliation. You lived and died as an expression of your unfailing love and irrepressible mercy. Equip me with words and actions that will contribute to your mission of peace in my world. Amen.

Music: Come to the Water

Thursday, October 15

Devotional: Sentness

John 20:20-21

As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”

God Who Sends, you have a divine purpose. You exist in perfect unity—Father, Son, Spirit—and your work in perfect harmony. You have established your kingdom as a place of joy and peace. Send me today to reveal your kingdom in my world. Amen.

Music: On Earth As It Is In Heaven

Wednesday, October 14

Devotional: Waiting Will Not Have the Last Word

Psalm 50:14-15

Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High. Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.

Most High God, you are righteous and holy. Your timing is intentional and perfect. You offer goodness and mercy, justice and hope. I will rest in your faithfulness, knowing you are always working for my restoration. Amen.

Music: Your Nature

Tuesday, October 13

Devotional: Waiting for God to Make All Things New

Titus 3:4-7

When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.

God Who Refreshes, you are the Creator of beauty and imagination. Your love is unwavering, and your mercy pours life into the barren brokenness of sin. I trust your wisdom and rely on your strength to bring me through whatever challenges I face. I place my hope in you. Amen.

Music: Beauty for Ashes

Monday, October 12

Devotional: Our God is Not a Do-Nothing God

Isaiah 65:24

Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.

Elohim Shama, God Who Hears, you know the hearts of all of your children. Before words are spoken, you understand the pleadings of those you love. Whether seen or unseen, you constantly work for the good of all people. Help me to find comfort in your faithfulness and strength in your presence. Amen.

Music: God Who Listens

Sunday, October 11

Devotional: Active Waiting

James 1:23-25

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

God Who Empowers, you are never idle. You work for good in all circumstances, and your plan is to rebuild and restore. You have gifted your children with a myriad of talents for use in building your kingdom. Help me to step out in faith, even risking failure, to honor the work you have laid out before me. Amen.

Music: Live Alive

Preparation for Worship on Saturday, October 10

While We Wait: Job

Friday, October 9

Devotional: Changing the Question

1 Chronicles 16:34

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Powerful and Omnipotent God, you are capable of anything. You create waterfalls and move mountains. You direct the solar system and orchestrate the splitting of atoms. You are pained by sin, yet respond with grace. You are accused of treachery, yet answer with mercy. Teach me how to participate in building your kingdom of love. Amen.

Music: Love All Along

Thursday, October 8

Devotional: Bible Stories of Patience

Deuteronomy 4:29

But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Waiting Savior, you have finished the work of redemption. Your grace covers all sin, and your mercy flows like a river. I seek your wisdom in my life and need your Spirit to calm my restlessness. Sit with me today. Amen.

Music: Restless

Wednesday, October 7

Devotional: Waiting is the Hardest Part

Psalm 130:5

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.

Longsuffering Lord, a thousand years is like a day to you. You keep a time unknown to humanity, but your Spirit is consistently present and active in the world. I do not have the patience of saints, and I struggle with loose ends. Help me to dwell in your peace, rest in your mercy, and be joyful in the moment. Amen.

Music: Elohim

Tuesday, October 6

Devotional: Bread for the World

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Bread of Life, you provide healing to the broken and courage to the hopeless. You offer promises of goodness and mercy. My world is full of heartbreak. Help me to offer a glimpse of restoration through your grace today. Amen.

Music: Compassion Hymn

Monday, October 5

Devotional: When Silence Says All the Wrong Things

Galatians 6:2

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Spirit of Comfort, you uplift those who mourn, and you offer strength to those who share the pain of others. Though I have no words to offer, help me to be present in the suffering of those in need. Amen.

Music: For All That You Have Done

Sunday, October 4

Devotional: Shots

1 Peter 5:6-7

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Holy Healer, you do not create nor cause pain. You are not the maker of disease nor heartache. Sin entered your perfect world without invitation, but you had a plan in place. I ache in the brokenness of my world. Help me to depend on your mercy, work tirelessly in your grace, and trust in your care. Amen.

Music: Come Ye Sinners

Preparation for Worship on Saturday, October 3

While We Wait: Abraham

Friday, October 2
Devotional: When God Laughs

Psalm 51:7-9

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.

Bountiful Father, you orchestrate beauty that sings and peace that embraces. You delight in fresh breezes and ocean waves. You work tirelessly to know your children and reveal the joy of who you are in a myriad of ways. Open my heart to gladness today. Help me to find contentment in your consuming love. Amen.

Music: This is the Day

Thursday, October 1

Devotional: When We Want to Give Up Waiting

Psalm 37:7-9

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

Patient Savior, you walked a life of humanity. You understand the struggle of waiting and have seen the pain of doubt. You sought your Father in temptation and embraced suffering for the cause of grace. I need your strength and seek to rest in your peace today. Amen.

Music: Lord, I Need You

Wednesday, September 30

Devotional: The Abrahamic Covenant

Psalm 105:8

He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations.

Covenant Keeper, you are true to your promises. You never give up, and you never fail. You have great plans for me, and I will rest in the assurance of your love and grace. Amen.

Music: Ever Almighty

Tuesday, September 29

Devotional: Finding Faith

Mark 9:23-24

Jesus said, “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

Willing Sovereign, you can do all things, and you desire the greatest good for your children. You are not removed from the pain nor joy of those whom you love. I tend to have doubts when I wait for answers. I want to trust you fully . . . help me overcome my unbelief. Amen.

Music: Be Alright

Translation of Verse 3 (via Google Translation)

Padre te confieso a corazón abierto
Father I confess to you with an open heart

Que todo es muy incierto en este desierto

That everything is very uncertain in this desert

Mi vulnerabilidad está al descubierto

My vulnerability is exposed

Siento que mi barca está muy lejos de su puerto

I feel that my boat is very far from its port

Por que será que ya no sale el sol en mis días?

Why is it that the sun no longer rises in my days?

Porque mis noches son tan frías?

Why are my nights so cold?

Porque será que siento que me falta algo?

Why is it that I feel that something is missing?

Por que Este camino gris se siente tan largo?
Why does this gray road feel so long?

Sé que estás obrando aunque no te sienta

I know that you are working even if I do not feel

Sé que estás obrando aunque no te vea

I know that you're working even if I don't see you

Sé que voy a salir de esta odisea

I know I'm going to get out of this odyssey

Sé que voy a ganar esta pelea

I know that I will win this fight

Sé que va a cesar esta marea temporaria

I know this temporary tide will cease

Que en ti yo viviré una vida extraordinaria

That in you I will live an extraordinary life

Que aunque no pueda entender

That although I cannot understand

Me consuela sa ber que todo

It consoles me to know that everything

Monday, September 28

Devotional: The Unwelcome Gift of Waiting

Romans 8:26-27

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Spirit of Intercession, you hear every prayer. You take the groanings and praises of humanity to the throne of the Creator. Every burden and every joy is safe and treasured in your care. I trust your great love for me and will trust your will in my life. Amen.

Music: Home

Sunday, September 27

Devotional: When You’re Tired of Waiting on God

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Faithful Provider, you always come through. Your promises are sure, and your timing is intentional. You see with a deeper vision and understand with a greater perception than a human mind can comprehend. I want to learn to trust you more. I believe; please guide me through my moments of unbelief. Amen.

Music: I’ll Give Thanks