RSS

Author Archives: John D. Willome

Unknown's avatar

About John D. Willome

I post a blog of daily devotions that are my prayer journals based on scripture.

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

05 Jun

For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

Dear God, there are a couple of things in here that make me think. First, you chose to not pour out your anger on me, but to save me through Jesus. It was a deliberate choice. I was listening to an interview with the late Rich Mullins the other day, and he made a distinction between being used by you and being wanted by you. He pointed out that a lot of people were used by you who weren’t all that great. From the Nebuchadnezzars of the Old Testament to Judas and Pilate of the New Testament. But Jesus picked the disciples because he wanted them. This passage from 1 Thessalonians reminds me that you wanted and still want me. Of course, as part of my worship of you I want you to use me as you will, but my value isn’t found in that usefulness. It’s simply found in the fact that you want me.

The second thing that strikes me about this passage is the part about encouraging others and building each other up. Beyond how I talk to people and say things to them that are encouraging and uplifting, another important part of this is how I think and talk about them when they are not there. One of my favorite things to do with my wife is after we leave a party or some sort of gathering, to talk about the positives in the people we saw there. It’s amazing what it does for my spirit when I dwell on the good things in others that you see. Conversely, if we leave a gathering and have something negative to say about someone or a situation, I’ve found that it darkens my own spirit. So my encouragement and uplifting of others needs to not only be to their face, but also behind their backs.

Father, thank you for wanting me. Thank you for building something in me that benefits from exhibiting positivity, forgiveness, and mercy. Thank you that my soul can tell the difference when I violate these principles and give in to judgment, criticism, and insecurity. Be glorified in my life. Spread your kingdom into the world through not only my life, but through your church. Bring us home to our first love, and help us to recognize and then destroy the idols we construct to take your place.

I pray all of this as a grateful man who gets to pray through Jesus’s blood,

Amen

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on June 5, 2023 in 1 Thessalonians

 

Mark 11:27-33

03 Jun

27 Again they entered Jerusalem. As Jesus was walking through the Temple area, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to him. 28 They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right to do them?”

29 “I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,” Jesus replied. 30 “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human? Answer me!”

31 They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn’t believe John. 32 But do we dare say it was merely human?” For they were afraid of what the people would do, because everyone believed that John was a prophet. 33 So they finally replied, “We don’t know.”

And Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Mark 11:27-33

Dear God, I read an article this morning about the culture wars and companies getting “canceled.” This particular article was talking about how large companies can no longer stay neutral on culture war issues as is evidenced by Chick-fil-A angering conservatives because they did some diversity training for their employees and hired an executive to be in charge of diversity initiatives.

I thought about this when I read this passage this morning. In a lot of ways, the Pharisees were trying to carefully navigate the line between your truth and the mob’s opinion. Of course, in their case, they were wrong about John and about Jesus, but I don’t judge them too harshly for their skepticism since I would probably have been skeptical about Jesus too had I been there.

I guess what I need to determine for myself is what is important to me and where do I draw different lines in my life? For example, I have my opinions on LGBTQ+ issues, but, frankly, a lot of them are only partially formed and are not of highest priority for me to figure out. If asked about my love for everyone, my willingness to hire in a diverse way and certainly to serve clients of every walk of life, I am comfortable with how I would answer, but am I willing to take the stands that need to be taken in other areas of my work? Like with the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC), for example. Students of all types need your help. Am I willing to stand in the gap so that they might feel loved and, ultimately, drawn to you?

Father, when I read this story, I know I am a lot closer to being a Pharisee than I am to being one of the apostles. Holy Spirit, reveal to me what you would have me do. Reveal to me the love you have for others. Reveal to me how you feel about different behaviors and lifestyles while also demonstrating to me how to take that knowledge and apply it. I was reminded this week that the message of the apostles in Acts was not about the difference between going to heaven or hell, but it was about attracting people to freedom of release from their sins and also a life lived as Jesus lived. Let that be my mantra as well, and then, Holy Spirit, I will let you take care of the convicting of sin from there.

I pray all of this in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

Amen

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on June 3, 2023 in Mark

 

Romans 12:9-6

31 May

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
Romans 12:9-16

Dear God, in other words, “Get over yourself, love God and love others.” I wonder if a song has ever been written based on this passage. It’s one of those great admonitions I might hear at a graduation ceremony. If I were to ever give a commencement address, I can see building the whole thing around this passage.

When I sat down this morning, my first thought was that I really need to focus on worshipping you. I haven’t taken the time to pray in this way in a few days and I can feel it. I miss you. Yeah. I’ve missed you. So I want to worship you this morning. You are this unbelievable… well, God, and I am humbled in front of you. I’m just here right now to worship, bow down, and say that you’re my God.

Father, may the words of my mouth, the acts of my hands, and the meditations of my heart bring glory to you today.

I pray this through the grace of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection,

Amen

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on May 31, 2023 in Romans

 

Acts 2:1-11

28 May

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!”
Acts 2:1-11

Dear God, the first thing I thought of when I read this passage this morning was the first: “…all the believers were meeting together in one place.” Together. Community.

I’ve never liked church services. You know this. I’ve told many people this. The act of me going to church is an act of pure self-discipline. I remember when my kids were little and they said they didn’t want to go, claiming they didn’t get anything out of it. I would respond that maybe there was someone there that morning who needed them. For my own part, there are times when I go that I am actually very moved. There are times when someone really blesses me. And there are times when I am able to visit with someone who needs someone to talk to or to maybe just say hi to them. If I am not there to greet that visitor who comes looking for you, and everyone else takes my attitude then who will be.

Just think of the people who weren’t there that morning 2,000 years ago. Was there anyone who intended to be with the disciples and didn’t make it? Did they miss you?

Father, I need to wrap this up, because I need to board a plane, but I just want to say that I’m sorry for the times I was too lazy and I either missed you and what you had for me or I missed what you had to do through me for someone else. Thank you for community. I pray for community for those I love.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

Amen

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on May 28, 2023 in Acts

 

Acts 28:16-31

27 May

When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to have his own private lodging, though he was guarded by a soldier. Three days after Paul’s arrival, he called together the local Jewish leaders. He said to them, “Brothers, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Roman government, even though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors. The Romans tried me and wanted to release me, because they found no cause for the death sentence. But when the Jewish leaders protested the decision, I felt it necessary to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no desire to press charges against my own people. I asked you to come here today so we could get acquainted and so I could explain to you that I am bound with this chain because I believe that the hope of Israel—the Messiah—has already come.” They replied, “We have had no letters from Judea or reports against you from anyone who has come here. But we want to hear what you believe, for the only thing we know about this movement is that it is denounced everywhere.” So a time was set, and on that day a large number of people came to Paul’s lodging. He explained and testified about the Kingdom of God and tried to persuade them about Jesus from the Scriptures. Using the law of Moses and the books of the prophets, he spoke to them from morning until evening. Some were persuaded by the things he said, but others did not believe. And after they had argued back and forth among themselves, they left with this final word from Paul: “The Holy Spirit was right when he said to your ancestors through Isaiah the prophet,

‘Go and say to this people:When you hear what I say,you will not understand.When you see what I do,you will not comprehend. For the hearts of these people are hardened,and their ears cannot hear,and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes cannot see,and their ears cannot hear,and their hearts cannot understand,and they cannot turn to meand let me heal them.’

So I want you to know that this salvation from God has also been offered to the Gentiles, and they will accept it.” For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.
Act 28:16-31

Dear God, this is such an amazing book by Luke, and then it comes to this abrupt end.

But beyond all of that, I don’t think I ever noticed this last line before: “And no one tried to stop him.” What an interesting thing for Luke to point out. What it says to me is that you put him in a unique position, through being imprisoned on house arrest, to share the gospel in a way he probably wouldn’t otherwise have been able to do. For two years, he preached, taught, and debated unfettered. He was already arrested and awaiting his appeal. What else could those who didn’t like him do to him.

It reminds me of other people in the Bible who were living through difficult situations, but they ultimately ended up accomplishing amazing things through them. Hagar comes to mind. Through Sarah’s anger and Abraham’s weakness, she was sent off with Ishmael into the desert to die. But you were actually freeing her from her slavery and setting her and her son up for a brand new life. In the moment, I’m sure it looked like she was losing, but you were orchestrating it for something better.

Jesus’s death is another example. To everyone in the moment, Jesus’s death looked like losing. But it was part of something so much bigger—the grace you would offer to all of humanity.

Going back to Abraham, I have no respect for him given the way this story portrays his interactions with Sarah and Hagar. He could have done a lot of things, and to me he chose the weakest path. He did that a lot. With Pharaoh. With another king. Telling both of them that Sarah was his sister because he was afraid for himself. He just made so many bad decisions. But you made allowance for that in your plan. You used it. It makes me think about some of the mistakes I’ve made and how you’ve redeemed them. It makes me think of some of my pain now and how you might be working to do something wonderful through something that seems like a loss to me.

Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, I’m doing something interesting today. I’m doing something that demonstrates my faith in you and what I think is obeying your Holy Spirit. Use this not for me but for you and your plans. For your glory. Help me to decrease so that you might increase in this world.

I pray all of this in the name of my Triune God,

Amen

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on May 27, 2023 in Acts

 

Atheistic Faith

26 May

Dear God, I know I talked about this a week or two ago, but I just saw this shirt video about the age of the universe and I couldn’t help but think about it again. As humans, we really don’t like to know. When we speak of and identify the idols in our lives, we should always start with ourselves.

People were really angry when Covid first came on the scene and we didn’t have adequate tests or testing capacity. We don’t like there being something we don’t know or can’t figure out. Then we got the vaccine, but it wasn’t perfect. It had some isolated side effects. That made us angry too. We should be smart enough and developed enough to not have to worry about these things. Our intellect and economy—even our government and military—replaced you as the things we really put our faith in. That’s what we lean on for peace in our hearts.

Then there are the atheists who insist you aren’t there and all of this can be explained through nature, as if you aren’t the author of the nature they are discovering. I wonder if it comes down to the idea that if they acknowledge you are there then they have to deal with you at some level. They have to reckon with you, and they can’t allow themselves to do that.

Father, as I know and embrace some of these people, help me to let them see you through my life. Make me your ambassador. And also help me to identify the remaining idols in my life, identify them specifically, and then purge them as I love you with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength.

I pray this in your holy Name,

Amen

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on May 26, 2023 in Miscellaneous, Musings and Stories

 

Tags: , , , ,

Thank you / F*** you

25 May

Dear God, I’m going to follow up on the episode of Ted Lasso I mentioned last night because I’ve been thinking about it a little more–okay, a lot more.

There is a part where one character is asked what he would say to another one if he could. He responded, “F*** you.” Then he was asked if there was anything else he would say. He said, “Yeah. Thank you.” This was right before he was encouraged to forgive because of the benefits to himself (see yesterday’s prayer). Later, the character asking the question ended up having a conversation with someone he was hurt by and just started saying, “Thank you for…” and then, “F*** you for…” This went on for a couple of minutes, but it cleared the air on some things.

So I was lying in bed last night and thinking about the things I need to forgive and as well as the forgiveness that needs to be extended to me. In terms of the wrongs done to me–the justice that needs to be served on my behalf–I thought about sitting down today and writing a “Thank you/F*** you” list. Two columns on a sheet of paper. Thank yous on the left and f*** yous on the right. Would that be cathartic for me? I imagined some of the things I would start to write down in each column. How would that feel? Is that what I need? Will that help me let go?

Then I thought about you. What about your list for me? What about the final judgment and when I stand before you. Will there be a long “f*** you” list in your hands as you look at me? What could I possibly say or do in front of you and your list for me? I am doomed.

But that’s not what you did or will do. You made this amazing sacrifice for me. You did the most extraordinary thing for me. You didn’t only send a sacrifice. You sent part of you to earth. You came through a birth canal just like I did. You grew up poorer than I did. You suffered greater than I ever have. You submitted to all of that and then death, just so I could stand before you at the final judgment–so I could sit here before you even now–and worship you. Is the f*** you list there? Yes. Does it exist? You bet. Do I add to it every day? Unfortunately, yes. But here’s the thing. You can’t see that list. It just as well be as far from you as the east is from the west because you can’t see it through Jesus’s blood. I am redeemed. I don’t have anything to win or prove. It’s amazing.

Father, I don’t need to see the f*** you list I could develop for others any more than you need to see the one you have for me. When I see them–when I think of them–all I need to see is them through Jesus. As much as my sins can be as far as the east is from the west, so can their trespasses against me be from me. I am redeemed. They are redeemed. We are redeemed. Help me to truly forgive, and let that forgiveness–your forgiveness–enter the world, at least a little bit, through my life as it is submitted to you.

I pray all of this through the blood of Jesus,

Amen

 
2 Comments

Posted by on May 25, 2023 in Miscellaneous, Musings and Stories

 

Tags: , ,

Acts 20:17-27

23 May

But when we landed at Miletus, he sent a message to the elders of the church at Ephesus, asking them to come and meet him. When they arrived he declared, “You know that from the day I set foot in the province of Asia until now I have done the Lord’s work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews. I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes. I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus. “And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I don’t know what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. “And now I know that none of you to whom I have preached the Kingdom will ever see me again. I declare today that I have been faithful. If anyone suffers eternal death, it’s not my fault, for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know.
Acts 20:17-27

Dear God, this is the New Testament reading for the Catholic church today, but it plays into what I’ve been praying lately. I’ve even referenced verse 24 a couple of times (…my life is worth nothing to me…).

So I just finished watching an episode of a very secular television show (Ted Lasso), but it is one that does its best to emulate what I would call your values of loving others and forgiveness. It recognizes that that is the right thing to do and it knows that there is healing. At one point tonight, one character told another character about the power of forgiveness. And it’s not really for the other person. Its for the forgiver maybe even more than the forgiven.

I was telling my wife earlier tonight that I still have some forgiveness issues that I’m not totally sure how to address. I’ve worked on it with you. I’ve tried to do the right things. But I have to say that I’m not sure what it looks like beyond this point.

I think this fits because, on a much smaller level than what Paul was dealing with here, a lack of forgiveness is NOT considering my life worth nothing to me. When I hold on, well, then I’m holding on to me. I’m putting myself ahead of who you need me to be–for my own sake!

Father, I consider my life worth nothing to me. If only I may finish the race and complete the task you have given to me. The task of testifying to the gospel of your grace. Father, help me. Jesus, help me. Holy Spirit, help me.

I pray all of this in your Holy Name,

Amen

 
1 Comment

Posted by on May 23, 2023 in Acts

 

Galatians 5:13

22 May

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.
Galatians 5:13

Dear God, I’m sorry. I know I’m not there yet. I know I sin. I know I’m selfish. I know I’m unkind and unloving. I mean, I try not to be and some of the time I’m who I strive to be in you, but there are times when selfishness takes over. I’m sorry.

The very next verse here talks about loving my neighbor as myself summing up all of the law. And it’s a law that we cannot legislate. It’s a law of our heart. It’s a law that will take us places that we can never will ourselves to go as a society. I wonder if that’s why we are so limited when we try to spread your love and get people to be your followers from the top down. Because a person has to internalize and purpose in their heart to submit to you first, and there’s no way to force that.

Father, once again, I am sorry. As I sit here and run through the things I’m sorry for in my head, and you know my thoughts, I am ant to thank you for giving me the freedom Paul mentions here. But I am sorry I’ve taken advantage of it for my own selfishness.

I pray all of this in the name and grace of Jesus,

Amen

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on May 22, 2023 in Galatians

 

Soul Care – Part 1 (by Rob Reimer)

21 May

Dear God, a friend asked me to read this book that’s meant a lot to him. I’ve been spending some time with it and I have things I’ve agreed with, things I’ve disagreed with, and then things that have made me think. I thought I might journal about some of them here and see if your Holy Spirit has anything to say to me through this.

First, I highlighted this sentence:

“Here’s a scary little secret: people marry to the level of their brokenness. If on a scale of 1 to 10 you are a 5, the healthiest relationship you will have is a 5. If you want to move from a 5 to a 7, there is one and only one path to get there. You must change.”

I disagree. I have to say that this was pretty early on in the book so it has made me approach the rest of it with some healthy skepticism. Why do I disagree? Because I can be a healthy person with an unhealthy person who will bring the relationship score down. Or I can be the weak link. If I’m a 5, that doesn’t mean I married a 5. If my wife is an 8 and she sees something in me, a 3, that falls in love and you call her to be with me, then I will be living in a relationship better than a 3 simply because of her presence. If she’s an 8, I’m a 3, and our relationship is a 5 (all of these are obviously subjective ratings), then we can climb to a 6 or 7 through my own growth. So I’m not quite with Mr. Reimer on this one.

Second highlighted sentence:

“Many churches today have one of these components in their culture: anointed truth, true community, or the presence and power of God. But it takes all three to create a culture of deep change.”

I have to say that I hate to disagree again, but this isn’t how I view churches today. I see them more as either having all three of these areas or having none of them. I’m not sure you can have these three things in a mutually exclusive way. Can you have anointed truth taught and not also develop community through it and have your presence and power among us? Can I do the first two and not have your presence and power? I guess I can see where “true community” could exist without the other two, but I’m not sure any environment will have one of the other two for very long without having all three develop. But if anointed truth or your presence and power shows up first and the other two components don’t develop, then that component will fade quickly. In my opinion. But I do agree with him that the healthiest churches have all three. The others are just going through the motions and it is why so many churches are dying and not attracting new people. It’s also why politics have been able to take root and become an idol in churches. We have lost our first love.

Third highlighted sentence:

But if you believe that you are fearfully and wonderfully made by a loving Creator, in the image of God and redeemed by the Savior who counted you worthy of His very life, then your life will be rich with meaning, purpose, and passion.”

I totally agree with this. It reminded me of Job and what he figured out about his “meaning, purpose, and passion.” At the beginning of Job, he counted himself righteous and that you would reward or discipline him based on his performance. When he suffered even without bad performance, he took issue with you. But after you showed up and spoke to him at the end of the book, he realized that his life was not about himself at all. His purpose was about simply being here to be used by you and to worship you. He deserved nothing. It’s the realization Paul comes to very quickly: “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesu–the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.” (Acts 20:24) My life isn’t about what I accomplish by building up my own storehouses. I don’t deserve anything. The only thing I can expect is your grace through the gift you gave me through Jesus’s life, death and resurrection. Beyond that, my life is about you.

Fourth highlighted sentence:

“There are two key tools that you can access to renew your mind. They are both vital–you need to renew your mind by holding on to the truth, and you need the presence of God.” (emphasis Reimer’s)

This reminds me of Andy Stanley’s current series on “The Fundamental List.” So much of what we get theologically wrapped around the axle about is just immaterial opinion. Mary. Infant baptism. Drinking. Homosexuality. Promiscuity. Some of these are more important that others, but they are not foundational to my faith. For me, believing in Jesus, repenting and then developing a relationship with you is fundamental. The more I do that the more the Holy Spirit molds and shapes me. He is shaping me in this moment right now–clearing out the thorns in my soil. Getting rid of the pursuit of wealth and cares of this world. Developing the fruits of His/your Spirit. Sharing the hope to someone else that they can have those fruits. Loving my neighbor. I need your truth and I need your presence, as Reimer says. I just need to pray for your discernment about what is real truth from you and what is false truth from others.

Fifth highlighted sentence:

“I often spend time alone with God in silence.”

Here’s what I typed as a note for this: “Silence is a weird one for me. The times I hear God speak to me in silence aren’t as much prescribed times of silence, but only after I’ve been actively seeking him for an answer and then he uses an intuition or sometimes even something or someone around me to say something that the Holy Spirit seems to tell me it’s from Him.” Honestly, Father, these times of journaling have been some of the most revelatory times for me. I have felt your Spirit speak to me through channeling my thoughts while I focus them through this process. I focus on you in a way that I never can in just silence. Maybe I’m missing something. Maybe I haven’t disciplined myself enough to learn from this process. I don’t know. But I know that I find this time with you in this way incredibly edifying and soul-building.

Sixth highlighted sentence:

“The lie I believed was that if someone didn’t agree with me, they didn’t love me, or at least I felt threatened that they wouldn’t love me.”

I’m grateful I’m not at this place now. I think I used to be. I don’t know that I used to feel loved or unloved based on this, but I have certainly wondered about if I can be in relationship. And there have been some dealbreakers for me. But those have been more about personal things in relationships and boundaries than they’ve been about general opinions regarding life, theology, politics, etc.

Conclusions

So that’s where I am up to this point. I’m not sure if I will finish the book or not. But I wanted to stop and assess what I’ve gotten out of it up to this point. Even the things I haven’t agreed with have made me stop and question why I disagree so I guess that’s been good too. But just know that I love you. I’m grateful for you. I know I deserve nothing. I’m here for whatever you’re calling me to do. Give me ears to hear.

I pray this under your authority and in your name,

Amen

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on May 21, 2023 in Miscellaneous, Soul Care by Rob Reimer

 

Tags: ,

← Older posts
Newer posts →