You have likely heard of “pass interference” in American football, when one player physically interferes with an opposing player’s ability to catch a pass.

A close reading of the parable of the spreading of the seed in Luke 8:4-15 tells us that the devil tries to interfere with people’s acceptance of God’s word. You may recall the parable, the farmer spreads seed, some falls on the hard footpath, some on rocky ground, some in the thorns, and some on good soil.

In verse 12 Jesus begins to explain the parable and he says “Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.”

The devil is out there trying to interfere with our hearing and accepting God’s word. We need to realize this, and defend ourselves with the tools God has given us; The Shield of Faith, the Breastplate of Righteousness, and fight back with the Sword of the Spirit that is the word of God, as described in Ephesians 6.

Dear Lord, as we say in the Lord’s Prayer, “deliver us from evil,” Help us rely on you to defend against the devil’s schemes. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

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The book of Ecclesiastes was written by Solomon, King of Israel after David, who, when asked by God what he wanted, asked for wisdom, rather than riches or power. As a result, God granted him wisdom, riches, and power. In Ecclesiastes he writes about his search to understand what life is about, and the conclusions he reaches.

In chapter 3 he starts by describing how there are different seasons in life, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up….” and so on.

His conclusion in Ecclesiastes 3:11-13, he says, “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. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.”

We will go through seasons in our lives, good times, difficult times, and we will not know what work God is doing in and through our lives through these periods. What we can know is that God is in control and has a reason, so as Solomon says, we should be happy and accept what life brings along, focusing on and enjoying the gifts God has given us.

Dear Lord, You have given us all so much to be thankful for. Help us reflect on these things, and live the seasons in our lives with happiness and enjoyment. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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There is a quote from Shakespeare that says, “Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.”

How, you may ask, is this relevant in a Christian devotion?

Matthew 14 includes the story of Jesus walking on water. Peter sees him and when Jesus says “come” Peter begins walking on the water toward Jesus. However, in verse 30, “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!: When he takes his eyes off of Jesus he begins to sink. His commitment weakens as he sees the wind and waves, begins to sink and cry to be saved. Verse 31 says, “Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

Our faith is the path through which God saves, supports, and motivates us on our Christian mission. Our doubts are traitors to that mission.

Dear Lord, Thank you for the support you give us in our mission. Help us push away the doubts that hold us back from living our faith fully; knowing that when we trust in you, we will have your peace and joy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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I am told that horses can tell where the rider is looking, and good equestrian riders guide their horses just by looking at where they want to go. Similarly, with many activities, race driving, flying, skiing, and many others, where one looks is where he or she will end up going, whether that is a good direction or not. A skier focusing on the obstacle is likely to hit it.

In a similar way, In Hebrews 12:1-2 Paul tells us, ” ..let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.”

When we keep our eyes on Jesus, on his example, his will, and on being with him, we will avoid and overcome the obstacles that would lead us astray.

Dear Lord, You are our hope and salvation. Help us keep our eyes on you so that we may run the race you put before us that leads to you. In Jesus name. Amen.

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We put time, energy and care into protecting and providing for those that we love; parents and children, siblings, friends that need help, and those less fortunate who cannot provide for themselves. So we watch over those who we love.

An interesting verse to think about is Psalm 145:20, which says, “The Lord watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.”

It would make sense if the verse said, “the Lord watches over all who he loves,” but the verse turns it around and says he will watch over those who love him. So when we love God we affect God’s response to us.

Dear Lord, help us show our love for you by putting your will first in our lives, and following your guidance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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