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Some memories are so painful that we avoid thinking about them entirely. Who wouldn’t like to forget that failed relationship, or getting fired, or that painful surgery? Certainly there are times in my life that are easier to ignore than think about.

However, our spiritual health often requires reflection on harrowing circumstances like these. We expectation that looking back will be painful, but what we don’t expect is that even in our darkest times, God was there. In this Slice of Infinity devotional, Jill Carattini writes that looking into our past is a great way to see the hand of God working in our lives:

Seldom can one fail to recall a time marked by restlessness in the stages of human development, a yearning for answers amidst turmoil or confusion. For many, it is the tender age of adolescence; for others it is the inquisitive years of college, the emptiness of a midlife crisis, the vulnerability of childhood. Though looking back at these formative events from infancy to adulthood may be for many like looking at a picture we don’t want to recognize, upon opening our eyes, we might just discover that we now are able to see what was there all along: another figure in the reflection standing beside us, the God who was there even when we were sure we were alone. J.R.R. Tolkien’s words offer a telling picture for those convinced at what they do not see: “The world outside has not become less real because the prisoner cannot see it.”

The stages and crises of development that most transform us are stages that inherently seem to bid us to ask the existential questions we were somehow meant to ask all along. To understand why a particular trauma of adolescence or lesson of young adulthood shaped us the way it did may be wearisome or frustrating, but in our attempts to revisit the formative nature of these years, we just may find ourselves treading on holy ground. As Joseph learned on his way from the pit to the throne, the God who startles us is Lord even over the process.

Looking back, do you see God in any of your most difficult experiences?

Evangelism is an obvious and central part of the Christian life. We’re called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those around us.

Most any Christian would agree with this—but how many of us make a conscious effort to preach the Gospel as we go through our daily life? “Preaching” might mean literal preaching, but for most of us it will take a different form. Here’s an example of everyday evangelism from Our Daily Bread:

I told my doctor who is an agnostic that he should be glad God created us. Seeing a needle in his hands, I wondered, Perhaps I should keep quiet. But I added, If we are still evolving, then you wouldnt know the exact spots to place those needles. He asked, Do you really believe in God? I replied, Of course. Arent we intricately made? I was thankful for this opportunity to begin to witness to my doctor.

…Paul charged Timothy to point people to the Savior. “Preach the Word” (2 Tim. 4:2) is not addressed only to preachers, however. The word preach means to make it known. Gods people can do this over a cup of coffee or in school with friends. We can make known the good news of what God has done for us wherever, whenever, and to anyone who is open and seeking. We can let them know that God loves us and sees our hurts, failures, and weaknesses.

How do you preach the Gospel? Do you stand behind a literal pulpit as a pastor or minister? Do you “preach” through coffeehouse conversations or book discussions? In what ways do (or should) you share the Good News with the people you encounter each week?

Have you ever tried to hide from God?

The first actions of Adam and Eve after the fall were to cover themselves and try to hide from God. And though it’s obvious God wasn’t fooled by their actions, that hasn’t stopped humanity from attempting to flee from Him ever since.

This Daily Encounter devotional urges us to be honest with God. After all, he already knows the deepest depths of our souls; there’s nothing we can say or think that would shock Him:

“Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” […]

When it comes to trying to hide from God, that’s impossible. God knows all. He sees all. He knows who I am . . . where I am . . . why I am here . . . where I am going . . . what I am doing . . . and what I am not doing. No matter how I try, I cannot hide from God! No way. Period!

As David wrote in the Psalms, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”

The best thing is to tell God who you are, where you are, what you want, what you don’t want, what you are afraid of, what you don’t want to give up, etc., etc. Only when we get honest with ourselves and real with God, can he (or anyone else) help us.

Consider taking some time today to open up to God. If you’re experiencing some deep hurt, anger or struggle, being honest with God is a freeing first step toward peace.

Have you noticed that once we make the choice to sin, it gets easier and easier to commit that sin again in the future?

Patterns of sin are self-reinforcing. When we start down the path away from God, we’ll slowly but surely be co-opted into a mindset that not only accepts sin, but embraces it. Think about a situation where you acted sinfully, or sinned by failing to act when you should have. Our minds are brilliant at building up justifications and rationales for sinful behavior, all of which makes it a little bit easier to repeat the sin when we’re next faced with the opportunity.

This devotional from Today in the Word refers to this condition as spiritual Stockholm Syndrome, and says that the only defense is actively go on the spiritual defensive, taking every thought captive for Christ:

…without growing in the knowledge of God, we can easily be deceived and co-opted by the evil of this world. We must guard our sympathies so that we dont find ourselves in league with lawless men.

In this final chapter of his letter, the apostle Peter provided three reasons why we should grow in the knowledge of God. First, evil is real, present, and persuasive. The arguments of those who scoff at the notion of a holy, loving God might make sense to those who deliberately forget the word and work of the Lord. The temptation to follow their own desires seduces many into rejecting the knowledge of God. Peter knew that even believers struggle, and he urged them to be on their guard, a picture of active vigilance against sinful lies.

Consider your actions today, this week, this year. Do they illustrate a person whose every thought process is captive to Christ? Or have you drifted off the path and been co-opted by selfish impulses and desires? Praise God that no matter how deeply we’ve become enmeshed in sinful thought processes, God can lift us out of the mire.

One aspect of the Bible that I’ve always felt reinforced its authenticity and trustworthiness is its willingness to expose the failings of its heroes. Moses, David, Paul—if the Bible were a straight hagiography of these “heroes of the faith,” we would read only of their mighty accomplishments, and we wouldn’t find any mention of their failings.

But the Bible isn’t interested in whitewashing the lives and actions of even these great heroes; their flaws are described alongside their virtues. And it’s often the case that their failings teach us just as much or more about living in faith than do their mighty deeds.

In this Daily Strength devotional, Joe Stowell turns a discerning gaze to the life of Abraham, the most famous of all Old Testament believers. What was Abraham’s flaw? Fear… of the same sort that affects each of us today:

…before you come down too hard on Abraham, it might be good to ask: For fear of losing your job, would you put your integrity at risk? For fear of appearing old-fashioned, would you put righteousness at risk? For fear of being ridiculed or misunderstood, would you neglect sharing the gospel and put someones eternity at risk?

If youve ever felt the intimidation of fear, then be assured that only one thing will conquer your fears: tenacious faith in God—in His presence, His protection, His power, His promises. Remember, God is bigger than your biggest fear!

And heres the good news: Abraham is actually known for his legacy as a man of faith. In fact, the Hall of Faith chapter gives Abraham a lot of good press (Hebrews 11:8-19)! Thankfully he wasnt marked forever by his flaw.

Imagine that a future biographer is describing your life and accomplishments. What flaw(s) might they point out? Are you allowing that flaw to define your life and relationship to God, or are you asking God to give your victory over it?

Our imagination can help us visualize the events of the Gospels. But for those events to have true meaning, we need faith—specifically faith that the eyewitness Gospel accounts are inspired by God.

This devotional from Lifetime Guarantee reminds us that we can trust the the authors of the Gospels. The Bible gives us many reasons to believe that God’s followers not only speak truthfully, but do extraordinary things:

Those who were there when He was so cruelly executed on the cross, fully aware of the agony and pain He was enduring, and those who believed that His resurrection was a fact—not a fanatical dream—knew once and for all what God omnipotent could do! In these two mighty acts they realized the glorious truth—that nothing could ever stop Jesus nowthat the love which held Him to the cross and the power which had taken Him out of the grave were literally, indisputably irresistible.

But I wasnt there. I didnt see these two marvelous acts. I didnt see His terrible suffering, His cruel execution, the amazing resurrection. And these powerful promises about Him being able these can only be fulfilled by Someone powerful enough to bring them about. I need more evidence than the words of men. Can I believe the words these men have written?

In order for this question to be answered, it is essential for me to remember that the Bible is not written by inspired men—it is dictated to men by God. Im not asked to believe the testimonies of mere men. I am believing/trusting in the Word of God—irrevocable, enduring, spoken by God Himself.

Acts 20:32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is ABLE to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Romans 14:4 Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and stand he will, for the Lord is ABLE to make him stand.

Romans 16:25 Now to Him who is ABLE to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past

II Corinthians 9:8 And God is ABLE to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything you may have abundance for every good deed;

Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to Him who is ABLE to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever, Amen.

Philippians 3:21 according to the working whereby He is ABLE to subdue all things to Himself that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth (Phil. 2:10)..

Read the rest of the devotional at lifetime.org.

Which of these verses stand out to you?

“Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” I recite that line as part of the Lord’s Prayer most Sunday mornings at church, and yet no matter how familiar it is, that phrase always stings a little. It reminds me that God expects us to forgive others just as he has freely forgiven us. But it’s safe to say that for most of us, our track record when it comes to extending grace and forgiveness to people who have wronged us is decidedly mixed.

But here’s a new wrinkle to consider: what if it’s too late to extend forgiveness, because the person who hurt us is dead or gone? What if we hurt somebody who is no longer around to hear our apology or our plea for forgiveness?

Charles Swindoll addresses this question today in Day by Day:

I suggest you share your burden of guilt with someone whom you can trustyour spouse, a counselor, your pastor. Be specific and completely candid. Pray with that person and confess openly the wrong and the guilt of your soul. In such cases prayer and the presence of an understanding, affirming individual will provide the relief you need so desperately.

After David had indirectly murdered Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband, his guilt was enormous. Adultery and hypocrisy on top of murder just about did him in. Finally, when he was caving in, he broke his silence and sought God’s forgiveness but Uriah was not there to hear his confession. He had been dead almost a year. The broken king called on the prophet Nathan and poured out his soul, “I have sinned….” Nathan followed quickly with these words: “The Lord also has taken away your sin; you shall not die.”

Death or geographical distance can disrupt the critical act of reconciliation between two people. But God’s grace is greater yet. If your conscience burns over an apology never offered or forgiveness never extended, it’s not too late to bring it to God and find peace.

The tension between hope and suffering is one of the most challenging themes of the Bible. Christ holds out the promise of an eventual end to suffering, but the Bible makes it clear that we can expect to undergo trials until that promise is fully realized. And the Bible in places suggests that God allows struggle into our lives as part of his divine plan.

If you’ve been a Christian for any length of time, you’re familiar with this line of reasoning. But even accepting that there is a purpose behind our suffering, it’s still hard not to cry out “Why?” when bad things happen to us.

It’s hard to find a more encouraging engagement of this matter than in today’s Morning and Evening devotional by the eloquent Spurgeon. Here’s how he responds to the question “Why does God allow his children to suffer?”

It is a poor faith which can only trust God when friends are true, the body full of health, and the business profitable; but that is true faith which holds by the Lords faithfulness when friends are gone, when the body is sick, when spirits are depressed, and the light of our Fathers countenance is hidden. A faith which can say, in the direst trouble, Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him, is heaven-born faith. The Lord afflicts his servants to glorify himself, for he is greatly glorified in the graces of his people, which are his own handiwork. When tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope, the Lord is honoured by these growing virtues. We should never know the music of the harp if the strings were left untouched; nor enjoy the juice of the grape if it were not trodden in the winepress; nor discover the sweet perfume of cinnamon if it were not pressed and beaten; nor feel the warmth of fire if the coals were not utterly consumed. The wisdom and power of the great Workman are discovered by the trials through which his vessels of mercy are permitted to pass. Present afflictions tend also to heighten future joy. There must be shades in the picture to bring out the beauty of the lights. Could we be so supremely blessed in heaven, if we had not known the curse of sin and the sorrow of earth? Will not peace be sweeter after conflict, and rest more welcome after toil? Will not the recollection of past sufferings enhance the bliss of the glorified?

Believing this doesn’t magically take away the pain of life’s trials. But take comfort in the fact that there is light at the end of the tunnel—and that your trials can shape in you an even stronger and purer faith if you trust in God’s promises.

When we consider Jesus’ life, it’s easy to gloss over his birth and jump straight to his death and resurrection. But it’s worth remembering that his journey to bring us salvation began in an extraordinary way.

Dennis Fisher writes in today’s Our Daily Bread devotional of the remarkable itinerary Jesus followed during his earthly mission:

Imagine this itinerary of our Savior, Jesus Christ: Place of originthe heavenly places; Initial destinationBethlehem; Mode of travelthe virgin birth; Reason for travelthe redemption of sinners; Return destinationthe right hand of the Father.

Philippians 2:5-11 eloquently describes Christs coming to earth to provide our redemption. One Bible commentator considers this passage a hymn of praise to the glory of the Suffering Servant who became exalted for His obedience: Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, . . . humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death . . . . Therefore God also has highly exalted Him (vv.5-9).

Our Lords extraordinary itinerary of redemption should fill our hearts with gratitude and praise!

Read the rest of the devotional at odb.org.

I’m terrible with names. I’m ashamed to admit that several years after joining and getting involved with my church, there are still a few fellow churchgoers whose names slip my mind. At work, I pass people everyday in the hall whose names I have forgotten or never took the time to learn.

As I said, it’s embarassing. And it becomes even more so when I consider how many actors, politicians, and celebrities I could name off the top of my head–people I’ll never interact with in any way, yet whose names and faces are quite familiar because of their wealth, power, and fame.

There’s power in knowing somebody’s name–and we can learn something about ourselves by considering who in our lives we address by name–personally, directly, and meaningfully. That’s one of the messages in this Slice of Infinity devotional by Marageret Manning. Manning describes her involvement with a homeless ministry that

made a point out of calling people by name. As we participated in this ministry to the nameless among us, we learned their names–Bobby, Jim, Fred, John, Daniel, and Carl. We ate meals with them, and talked with them. We listened to them and shared prayer with them. We picked them off of the streets, and brought them into a place of warmth and solace. Soon, we couldn’t walk the streets of Boston without seeing these faces as persons we knew by name, the same faces who formerly were without names. Now I saw Bobby, and Jim, Fred, and John–and I called them by name; they were known to me, and they had value….

In our culture, our worth is largely determined in monetary measures, and by our buying power. Money and power are the things that our society teaches us to value, and we name the names of those who attain high levels of both. But to experience the kingdom Jesus reveals we need not have money or power. Rather, he calls the least and the last, children and the powerless. He calls the rich young ruler to use his money and power to serve others as a means of demonstrating his citizenship in the kingdom. He calls his followers to serve one another with the gifts that have been given. And he calls us to know those who might otherwise remain nameless.

Each of us is “nameless” to most of the society around us. But God comes to us personally, calling us by name–and He asks us to reach out in the same way to the “nameless” around us, whoever they may be. Who do you “call by name” each day? Will you commit to engaging the “nameless” around you as you go about your life at work, home, and church?