WHAT IS THE ANSWER TO ALL THE VIOLENCE?

Posted on April 28, 2026 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

ROMANS 1:16-17: “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” NLT

OBSERVATION: It was just like any other night as we sat watching a show on TV. Suddenly, my wife looked at her phone and said, “They just tried to shoot the President again!” We switched to the News and saw replays of the Secret Service whisking the President and First Lady off the stage, people ducking under their tables, and chaos erupting in the room!

Another attempt at senseless violence!

Add this to all the senseless shooting and killing that fills our 24/7 news cycle, the war in Iran, the vitriol that fills our land, and one wonders,

“What is the answer to all this violence?”

Immediately, the right blamed the left’s rhetoric. The left blamed the Administration’s policies. Hate was thrown back and forth like kerosene on a bonfire. Then we watched “The Five” the day after. There was lively discussion around the table, as each person tried to speak to the root of the problem. One of the hosts, Harold Ford Jr., said,

“There is a rot in the heart of our nation!”

I think Harold Ford Jr. was closer to the source of the problem than the others. He did not say it, although I think he believes it, that the issue in our nation is an issue of faith. There is a faith void in our nation. There is no fear of God in a great number of our citizens. The Ten Commandments are ridiculed, and God’s Word is dismissed as antiquated and irrelevant.

Something has to happen to change hearts before we see a change in actions!

The Church is the one who holds the Key! It is not another round of social protests. It is not found on the political debate stage. It is the call to faith in our Lord Jesus Christ through the unashamed proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is only the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the proclamation of His death for our sins, victorious resurrection from the dead, and the call to repent, believe, and be baptized that will save our souls…and our nation! Paul proclaims,

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.” Romans 1:16 NLT

If the Gospel can transform the Jew and the Gentile, then it can reach the Conservative, the Liberal, the Progressive, the Independent, the Radical, the Anarchist, and any other person and group! It is not the call to a political party but a call to faith. Faith in Jesus Christ is the only thing that can transform a heart filled with hate into a vessel of God’s love. It was not a war that transformed our nation in the past. It was a Great Awakening!

Today, we need a Great Awakening of FAITH!

Paul’s exhortation to Timothy seems appropriate for today!

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.” (2 Timothy 1:7-8 NLT)

We don’t need another George Whitfield or Billy Graham. We need every believer, everyone who names the name of Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, to rise up and share the Good News with others. God has not given us a spirit of fear. He has empowered us with the Holy Spirit, and we have the answer to the “rot” in our world. It is the Good News of Jesus Christ! It is the call to faith in the One who died for us and rose again. It is the blessed assurance of the forgiveness of sin and the transformation of the heart…

THROUGH FAITH!

“This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” (Romans 1:17 NLT)

We have a choice! We can join the throngs of those who are pointing fingers at each other. We can allow our hearts to be filled with fear and hate. We can hide in the safety of our homes and churches. Or – we can point the way to heaven. Share the truth of the Good News. Live a life of faith boldly in our world, no matter what the cost.

As we proclaim the Good News, we proclaim the power of God that can transform a life and our world!

Faith unites us with Jesus. Jesus unites us with the Father. The Holy Spirit indwells our hearts and begins to transform the way we think and live as we begin to abide in God’s Word. Love replaces hate. Faith replaces fear. Grace replaces judgment. Life replaces death.

We need this Great Awakening!

Heavenly Father, ignite a passion in my heart to boldly share the Good News with anyone I can and in any way I can. Give me a new boldness so that I too can say…

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.”

In Jesus’ Name!

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BLESSED ASSURANCE!

Posted on April 22, 2026 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

PSALMS 111:7-10: “All he does is just and good, and all his commandments are trustworthy. They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity. He has paid a full ransom for his people. He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever. What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has! Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!”

OBSERVATION: Am I walking in assurance, Blessed Assurance? As we watch the news each day, as war rages around the world, as our future feels unsure, as we look for a ray of hope, what can we hang on to? The Psalmist this morning reminds me. I can hang on to my…

Blessed Assurance!

First, I can hang on to the fact that the Lord is good!

“All he does is just and good…” (Psalms 111:7a)

The Scriptures declare that He is good and He does good (Psalms 119:68). The evil that rages in our world is not from His hand. The injustice we see in the world is not the will of His heart. The fear that grips the hearts of so many does not come from Him. Sin entered the world through our disobedience. Grace and mercy entered the world through our Lord Jesus Christ. My Blessed Assurance is that…

“Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalms 23:6 NLT)

Second, I can trust everything the Lord has said!

“…All his commandments are trustworthy. They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.” (Psalms 111:7b-8 NLT)

In a world where truth and trustworthiness are diminishing commodities, God and His Word stand secure for the believer. His Word and His Commandments are as true and relevant today as they were when they were written thousands of years ago. God never changes, and His Word never changes. God’s Word can be fully trusted and obeyed. His Word always accomplishes what it sets out to do and always blesses the one who follows it with faithfulness and integrity!

“But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” (James 1:25. NLT)

Third, we can rest in the Blessed Assurance of the completed work of Jesus Christ!

“He has paid a full ransom for his people. He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever. What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!” (Psalms 111:9 NLT)

When we look at the unrest all around us, we have an anchor in the storm of uncertainty. It is not our trust in governments. It is not in our own wisdom and strength. It is in the completed work of Jesus Christ. Jesus not only died for our sins, but He also died for the sins of the entire world. Jesus came to redeem us from sin, our bodies from eternal decay, and our world from the ravages of sin. We stand strong in the storms of life because we are anchored to His Holy, Awe-Inspiring Name! We know the end of the story!

“Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11 NLT)

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” (Revelation 21:1-4 NLT)

These three things bring me great assurance, Blessed Assurance! They cause me to pause in the midst of everything going on around me. My head lifts toward heaven, my heart is filled with awe and gratitude. I am reminded of the blessings that follow all who fear the Lord, who put their full trust in Him.

“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!” (Psalms 111:10 NLT)

So, as the final stanza in the great hymn, “Blessed Assurance” proclaims…

Perfect submission, all is at rest,

I in my Savior am happy and blest;

watching and waiting, looking above,

filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

This is my story, this is my song,

praising my Savior all the day long;

this is my story, this is my song,

praising my Savior all the day long.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Blessed Assurance through Jesus Christ my Lord! Grant me the grace to walk in Your goodness, Your Word, Your Presence, and Your…

BLESSED ASSURANCE!

In Jesus’ Name!

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SPEAK OUT! (Get out of the Barn and into the Harvest!)

Posted on April 16, 2026 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

PSALMS 107:1-2: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.” NLT

OBSERVATION: When was the last time I shared my faith with someone? When was the last time I told someone about the Lord’s faithfulness? When was the last time I testified about the Lord’s mercy?

The longer we are believers, the harder it seems to share our faith. I have often wondered why. I can remember the early days of my walk with Jesus. I would witness to a rock! I was bold and somewhat unbalanced. I needed wisdom, but I did not lack zeal.

Fast-forward a few decades. I have grown in both wisdom and knowledge. I have quite a bit more tact than I did in those early days. Yet, there is one thing I don’t have. I don’t have the same zeal, the same willingness to share my faith, the same sense of urgency to tell others. The same fire in my heart to…

SPEAK OUT!

I teach a leadership class on Monday nights. This was our topic recently. We discussed the reasons so many of us who have been Christians a long time seem reluctant to “Speak Out.” Here were some of the reasons.

  1. We are afraid we will hurt someone’s feelings.
  2. We do not feel we are adequately trained to answer their questions.
  3. We don’t want to run the risk of being ridiculed or rejected.
  4. We have been Christians so long that we don’t have any non-Christian friends to share with.
  5. We have grown comfortable in our faith, and there is nothing “new” to share.

These are just a few of the reasons we discussed in class. The list could go on and on. However, there are two from the above that I would like to explore a little more.

First, I have been a Christian for over 50 years. All of my friends, acquaintances, and most of my family are Christians. I work with Christians. Most of my activities revolve around church and other Christians. To be honest, I now live a pretty sheltered life. I realized, as the teacher, that I, too, was no longer involved in the harvest. I was living in the barn!

Second, I need to be growing in Christ every day. I need to be praying for the Holy Spirit to open my eyes to “new things.” I am not talking about a new doctrine. We can never move outside of the complete revelation of the Word of God. What I mean is new revelation, new experience, new understanding of the love, mercy, and grace of God. I need what Paul prayed for.

“And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” (Ephesians 3:18-19 NLT)

When I was a young believer, I was burdened and excited to share my faith with all of my family and friends who did not know Jesus. Also, I was discovering the wonderful truths of the Bible. They were new to me every day. I was growing day by day, and my heart was filled with wonder, awe, and anticipation. I had the boldness to share this with others. I was not afraid to…

SPEAK OUT!

I have been praying over the past couple of weeks, asking the Lord to give me wisdom in how to place myself back into the harvest and get out of the barn. I like the barn, but the harvest is ripe, and it lacks workers. If we all stay in the barn, who will attend to the harvest? If we all share our faith with those who already know Jesus, who will share with those who don’t? If we keep this wonderful Gospel to ourselves, who will…

SPEAK OUT?

Heavenly Father, rekindle the fire in my heart! Jesus, open my eyes to see You and to fall in love with You over and over again. Holy Spirit, open my eyes and reveal the wonderful riches of the love of Christ each day as I pore over the Scriptures. Show me what I need to do to get out of the barn and into the harvest. Give me Your boldness, the boldness I knew as a young believer, to once again…

SPEAK OUT!

“Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out!…” (Psalms 107:2a)

In Jesus’ Name!

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THE VASTNESS OF GOD’S GRACE…

Posted on April 12, 2026 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

Artemis II

PSALMS 103:10-12: “He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” NLT

OBSERVATION: For a moment, I was a young boy again. I remember sitting in front of a small TV with my family as we anxiously watched the first space landing on the Moon. Families all over the world witnessed this historic event, and then 56 years passed by, and it seemed but an idle tale.

Then, on Friday, April 10, 2026, as a family, as a nation, and as a world, we all sat and watched as Artemis II bravely traveled back toward Earth. This spacecraft, with four brave astronauts, had traveled farther into space than anyone had before. They traveled into deep space and saw for the first time the back side of the moon. We all sat, anxiously, prayerfully, as the space module entered the atmosphere and safely touched down in the Pacific Ocean. Something was rekindled at that moment.

It was the wonder of Space!

A whole generation had passed who had never seen anything like it. Young children cheered as they watched, in hope and disbelief. A new generation of space explorers was born over the 10-day journey. Our hope grew as we thought, “The impossible is really possible!” How far will man go, to the Moon, to Mars, or even beyond?

Yet, there is something even more glorious than the exploration of space. It is the wonderful, endless, unfathomable Grace of God! Like the entire generation that knew nothing about space exploration, there is an entire generation that has never witnessed the wonderful Grace of God. And, there are countless who have experienced His Grace but have lost their awe at its wonder.

We stand and look up into the vastness of space with great wonder. Yet, even more wonderful is the One who created the heavens and the earth. Man tries to reach the Moon, but it is God who created all the stars and galaxies that we see and those we have yet to discover. God’s love is so deep, so vast, so amazing, that He Himself came to this earth to die in our place so that we could ultimately explore His creation throughout all eternity.

God, through the sacrifice of His Son, opened the heavenlies once and for all to those who believe. The wonder and secret of all creation will be experienced by every man, woman, and child who calls upon the name of the Lord in sincere repentance and faith. The one impediment to this wonderful journey, our sin, has been removed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. It was not simply removed; it was removed completely out of sight!

“For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.“ (Psalms 103:11-12 NLT)

Look up into the heavens. Farther than your eye can see, farther than the most sophisticated telescope can view, farther than any spaceship can ever travel, this is how far the Lord has removed our sins. We have been forgiven, cleansed, and prepared for both an abundant life here on earth and an eternal life of wonder and exploration when we cross from death to life.

Look up and imagine the wonder of the Grace of God!

Heavenly Father, I lift my eyes toward the heavens. I look in awe and wonder as I view the vastness of Your creation. I thank You for Your life-changing Grace! Thank You for removing my sin. Thank You for transforming my life.

Thank You for reminding me of the vastness of Your Grace!

“And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” (Ephesians 3:18-19)

In Jesus’ Name!

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WHAT HAPPENS BEHIND CLOSED DOORS? (Stewarding my digital life!)

Posted on April 10, 2026 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

PSALMS 101:2-6: “I will be careful to live a blameless life— when will you come to help me? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them. I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil. I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride. I will search for faithful people to be my companions. Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me.” NLT

OBSERVATION: Am I living a godly life? Are my actions pleasing to the Lord? Is my light shining bright, or is it hidden under a shadow? Is there a difference between the way I act on Sunday morning and the rest of the week? Is my character the same in the marketplace as it is behind closed doors?

I don’t think any sincere believer sets out to live a duplicitous life. Yet, it is easy to begin to live one way when in the public eye and another way in the privacy of our own home. One of the biggest enemies to a godly life we face today is the internet. The little computer we hold in our hand can give us the weather or slowly poison our hearts.

Just 20 years ago, I would not have even written of such things. Most people, myself included, face the temptation to spend too much time scrolling on our phones. Even Facebook is filled with all sorts of unhealthy things. We don’t have to explore the dark web to be influenced by the enemy on a daily basis. How can we live a godly life while we hold a powderkeg in our hands?

The Psalmist gives us some wonderful advice. It is as applicable today as it was in his day.

“I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.” (Psalms 101:3a NLT)

How can we apply this to our digital life? We can change the settings in our phones to block ungodly content. We can delete apps that increase the chances of temptation. We can block the posts of negative friends and influencers who continually post things that are against our Christian values. We can begin to limit the time we spend scrolling and purposely spend more time in God’s Word.

This is not an exhortation to place our heads in the sand and ignore what is going on all around us. Yet, there is a difference between putting your head in the sand and putting your head in the latrine. The answer is not seclusion or inclusion. The answer is spiritual discernment and developing a sensitivity to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit.

Scrolling without discernment will always lead to compromise. It is subtle, but it happens. We find ourselves contemplating thoughts we normally would not entertain. Our joy is replaced with worry and fear. Temptations that we have walked in victory over begin to once again knock at our door. Darkness begins to creep in, trying to extinguish the light.

I love technology. I have, since the first personal computers in the 1980s. I am engaging technology to share these thoughts. Yet, I have also learned that technology can become an idol and lead me away from my devotion to Jesus Christ. The digital world is much like the tongue. It can be a blessing one moment, and then become a curse! The key is whether we will master our technology or will it master us?

The Psalmist continues with some very important advice.

“I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride. I will search for faithful people to be my companions. Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me.” (Psalms 101:5-6 NLT)

The posts we read, the news we watch, the podcasts we listen to, the reels we scroll through, all of these will either help us in our walk of faith or chip away at it. The friends we have on Facebook, the social posts we read, and the videos people post will either encourage us in our faith or draw us away from it.

I am not recommending you throw away your smart device. I am simply speaking to my own heart. I need to be more discerning, more selective, more sensitive to the Holy Spirit. I need to limit my time on the phone and increase my time in God’s Word. I need to purposely close the door on anything that diminishes my faith or obedience to God.

I need to live a godly life…BEHIND CLOSED DOORS!

Heavenly Father, help me to bring my digital life this morning to Your Altar. Give me the grace to obey the still small voice of the Holy Spirit. Show me what You want me to do and then empower me to do it. Give me a greater hunger for Your Word and help me steward my digital life for Your glory.

Help me to give You glory…BEHIND CLOSED DOORS!

In Jesus’ Name!

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A GOOD FRIDAY PERSPECTIVE!

Posted on April 3, 2026 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

PSALMS 93:3: “The floods have risen up, O Lord. The floods have roared like thunder; the floods have lifted their pounding waves.”

OBSERVATION: Today is Good Friday. It is a day of perspective. It is a day of purpose. It is a day that will forever determine our eternal destiny. The question is, what do I see when I remember Good Friday?

Just one day before Jesus was crucified, He celebrated the Passover with His disciples. He washed His disciples’ feet. He taught them about the importance of serving one another. He celebrated the Passover and instituted the Lord’s Supper. It was the most important gathering of their three years to date.

Then…as the Psalmist writes, the floods came!

Jesus and the disciples left for the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Judas leads a band of soldiers to betray Jesus. Jesus is arrested, and the disciples flee in fear. Jesus is beaten, spit upon, mocked, and tried before the Sanhedrin and then before Pilate. Flogged and set before His accusers, Pilate offers to release Jesus. They cry out with great anger, “Crucify Him!” Jesus is flogged and then led to Calvary to be crucified.

Talk about a flood!

In just a few short hours, the Messiah hung on a cross. Men and women mocked and ridiculed Him as He suffered in agony. The disciples were bewildered and filled with fear. The women who followed Jesus were filled with sorrow. Jesus’ mother mourned as only a mother could for her beloved son. The world grew dark. The enemy’s flood came rolling in. All seemed to be lost. And then, Jesus proclaimed…

IT IS FINISHED!

Some saw it as the end of His suffering. Others saw it as a sign of His defeat. The disciples did not know what to make of it. Yet, Jesus knew what it really was. Jesus was the only one who maintained heaven’s perspective throughout the entire ordeal. There was something different in Jesus’ perspective than those who surrounded the cross.

What was it?

The writer of Hebrews draws back the curtain and gives us insight into what allowed Jesus to submit to the suffering of the cross on Good Friday.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, 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. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.” (Hebrews 12:1-3 NLT)

Jesus looked beyond the cross. Jesus looked beyond the flood. Jesus held onto the Father’s love, faithfulness, and promise. Jesus knew that His suffering would provide life for all who would believe. Jesus kept His eyes on the joy awaiting Him!

The Psalmist proclaims this same hope. The one verse regarding the flood that I quoted in the beginning was pulled out of context. I did this purposely to illustrate how important perspective is. Jesus endured the most horrible, excruciating form of death because He knew that His Father would not abandon Him and that His sacrifice would open the gates of heaven to all who would believe. Jesus transformed this flood of suffering in such a powerful way that we now call it…

GOOD FRIDAY!

Father, as I read the entire Psalm today, as I meditate on the great sacrifice Jesus made for me, as I remember why today is called Good Friday, change my perspective! Help me to see beyond the flood into Your eternal faithfulness, plan, and promises!

“The Lord is king! He is robed in majesty. Indeed, the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength. The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. Your throne, O Lord, has stood from time immemorial. You yourself are from the everlasting past. The floods have risen up, O Lord. The floods have roared like thunder; the floods have lifted their pounding waves. But mightier than the violent raging of the seas, mightier than the breakers on the shore— the Lord above is mightier than these! Your royal laws cannot be changed. Your reign, O Lord, is holy forever and ever.” (Psalms 93:1-5 NLT)

Today really is – GOOD FRIDAY!

In Jesus’ Name!

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DON’T FORGET THE CHILDREN!

Posted on March 31, 2026 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

JOHN 21:15-17: “After breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time, he asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.” NLT

OBSERVATION: What is the primary call and responsibility of the church? What is the most sacred gift that God can give a husband and a wife? Who has God called us to pour our lives into? Yet who are often forgotten and considered only after everything else?

It is our Children!

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, there was a continuing tension between the disciples and Jesus regarding children. The disciples saw children as a distraction, getting in the way of the important work of ministry. Yet, time after time, Jesus brought the children to Himself and showed how important they were in the Kingdom of God!

“One day, some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left.” (Matthew 19:13-15 NLT)

In the final chapter of the Gospel of John, we have the wonderful account of Peter’s restoration and call to ministry. When Jesus originally called Peter, He told Peter to leave his nets and follow Him, learning to become a fisher of men. Yet, after Jesus death and resurrection, following Peter’s denial of Jesus three times, Peter returns to his boat and the comfortable place he had left.

Peter did not feel worthy after his denial, and felt all he could catch was fish!

Yet, the Resurrected Jesus started with Peter right from the beginning. After a night of empty toil with no results, Jesus calls to them from the beach,

“…Fellows, have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied.” (John 21:5 NLT)

Then, just as Jesus did when He first called Peter, He called out to them in the boat and said,

“…Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.” (John 21:6 NLT)

Peter recognized that something more was happening. He remembered how Jesus had called him at the beginning. Peter was experiencing Jesus’ call all over again. The one who had denied Jesus, the one who felt unworthy, the one who never thought he could be used again, obeyed these words, and in that moment of obedience, Peter’s eyes were opened.

“Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore.” (John 21:7 NLT)

What does all of this have to do with children? I am glad you asked. It is in Peter’s restoration, in the confirmation of his calling, that we discover God’s heart and His priorities.

There is a wonderful study of the Greek words used by Jesus and Peter for the word love. Most of our focus on these verses revolves around this interchange and Peter’s restoration. Three times Peter denied Jesus, and three times Jesus asked Peter, “Peter, do you love me?” Yet, it is the call Jesus gives to Peter after this important question that I want to shine a light on.

Jesus gave Peter three charges as He restored Peter to his call to ministry.

  • Feed my lambs.
  • Tend my sheep.
  • Feed my sheep.

I want to focus on the first call. When Peter cried out, “Yes Lord, You know that I love You,” Jesus then said, “Feed my lambs.” The Greek word that Jesus chose in this first call is the word for a lambkin, or a baby lamb. It is the smallest of the flock. It is the one most often overlooked. It is the one who needs the most time, care, and attention.

It is the Children!

When Jesus taught about leaving the 99 to rescue the 1, it was in the context of His call to remember the children. When Jesus taught about the heart needed to enter the Kingdom of God, He was speaking about the children. When the disciples were aggravated by the little ones who seemed to be keeping them from important business, Jesus drew them close and shone His light on the children. Throughout Scripture, we are called, taught, exhorted, and reminded…

Don’t forget the Children!

The Psalmist declared,

“We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders.” (Psalm 78:4 NLT)

It is so easy to look above and beyond God’s greatest gifts in our lives. Yet, the future of our lives, churches, communities, and our world is our children. They are the Next Generation. They are the ones who will determine the future. The church is always one generation away from decline, unless…

We remember the Children!

Children are not simply a strategy of the Kingdom; they are the essence of the Kingdom. They are the heart of the Father. They are the precious treasure He has entrusted to us. They are the First and Foremost command that He has given to the Church,

“Feed my lambkins!”

Heavenly Father, open our eyes to look upon the harvest. As we do, may we not look over the tender, precious shoots that are sprouting right before us. May we see every child and love them with the love that Jesus showed as He walked this earth. May we seek out the lost lambkins. May the hearts of fathers be turned once again to the hearts of children. Lord, help us always remember…

Don’t Forget the Children!

In Jesus’ Name!

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I HAVE GIVEN THEM MY GLORY…

Posted on March 24, 2026 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

JOHN 17:22-23: “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them, and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.”

OBSERVATION: What is the greatest gift that Jesus has given to us? Of course, the first answer is our salvation. What is the greatest gift Jesus has given to us that flows out of our salvation? As believers, what sets us apart and what gives us a uniqueness that is meant to attract others to Jesus Christ?

It is His Glory!

Glory is one of those words that is somewhat hard to pin down. If you asked five people what glory means, you would get five different answers. We sing about glory. We give all the glory to God. We pray, “For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory…”

But…what is glory?

I have been meditating on this question for several days. I must admit that I also cannot give just one answer. So I am left with the question, What did Jesus mean when He prayed to the Father and said, “I have given them the glory You gave Me…”?

The word translated “glory” comes from the Greek word “doxa.” This is where we get our word “doxology.” Doxology is defined as, “A doxology is a short hymn or liturgical expression of praise to God, originating from the Greek words doxa (“glory”) and logos (“word”).” Ok, now we are getting somewhere!

When I read this, I was immediately drawn to the opening chapter of John’s Gospel. John writes,

“So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” (John 1:14 NLT)

Jesus, the Eternal Word, became flesh. The essence of God, His Word, lived in Jesus. He was the express image of the Father. He was the Word incarnate. He was the full expression of unfailing love and faithfulness. He carried within His life the full weight, the “doxa” of the Father. The Father proclaimed His approval of the Son when, at Jesus’ baptism, He proclaimed,

“This is my dearly beloved Son who brings me great joy!” (Matthew 3:17 NLT)

So, let’s try to bring all of this together. Going back to Jesus’ High Priestly prayer of John 17, we read,

“For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.” (John 17:8 NKJV)

We are not the Word, but He has given us His Word. We are not the Spirit, but He has given us His Spirit. He has given us the essence of Himself so that we can become like Him. In His Word and through His Spirit, we experience the unfailing love and faithfulness of God. The Word and the Spirit are the source of our unity and our life together in Jesus Christ.

As we abide in Jesus, in His Word, as we walk after the Spirit and grow in his unfailing love and faithfulness, we begin to reflect the very nature of Jesus Christ in the earth. We represent Jesus to the world. As the Father proclaimed His approval of Jesus, He now proclaims His love and approval over us. Yet, this approval is not for our benefit alone. It is the very essence of His nature that is needed to reach a dying world. Jesus proclaims,

“I am in them, and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” (John 17:23 NLT)

How will the world ever see the glory of God if they do not see it working in us? How will the world see in the darkness if we are not the light? John understood this truth, and he wrote in his first Epistle,

“No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us. Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God.” (1 John 4:12-15 NLT)

Jesus was the Word made flesh. We beheld His glory, glory of the only begotten Son of the Father. His glory was manifested in his unfailing love and faithfulness. Jesus has now given us His Word. The Bible tells us to hide the Word in our hearts. And, the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Spirit who has been given to us. We now, like Jesus, walk in this life with the Word inside us and in the power of the Holy Spirit. This is our source of unity, and this is the power of our love and ability to be faithful to God.

This is the glory of Christ, the glory we beheld, the glory that He has given to us! This glory was given so that we could be one with Jesus and the Father, through the Spirit and the Word. It is our unity, our love, the Word of God working in our lives through the Spirit, that is the testimony of God’s love to a dying world. As Jesus proclaimed,

“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:35 NLT)

Heavenly Father, this morning I want to give You all the glory, honor, and praise! I stand in awe that Jesus has shared His glory with me! Your Word, Your Spirit, living in me. May I yield to Your Word and Your Spirit as I begin each day. May Your faithfulness and love transform my life. Help me to walk as a light in the darkness. May my life, our lives, be a reflection of Your glory so that many will come to faith in Jesus Christ!

In Jesus’ Name!

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IT’S GRACE, STUPID!

Posted on March 18, 2026 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

DEUTERONOMY 9:5-6: “It is not because you are so good or have such integrity that you are about to occupy their land. The Lord your God will drive these nations out ahead of you only because of their wickedness, and to fulfill the oath he swore to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. You must recognize that the Lord your God is not giving you this good land because you are good, for you are not—you are a stubborn people.” NLT

OBSERVATION: IT’S GRACE, STUPID! These are the words that came to mind when I read Moses’ admonishment to the Children of Israel as he prepared them for their conquest of the Promised Land. This statement may sound a bit harsh, but it is true nonetheless. We tend to forget that everything in our Christian life is given to us by grace!

In 1992, during Bill Clinton’s Presidential Campaign, his campaign strategist, James Carville, coined a phrase that would live on in infamy. George H. W. Bush, then President, was in the middle of a recession. The Reagan boom had faded. President Bush’s run for a second term was an uphill climb.

While many issues were debated during this campaign, James Carville coined a phrase for the campaign and the campaign staff that would usher Bill Clinton into the White House. What was that phrase?

IT’S THE ECONOMY, STUPID!

The message was simple. Focus on the economy. Don’t forget that everything in people’s lives revolves around the economy. While there are surely many equally important issues, it is the individual’s pocketbook that drives them to the polls.

I am not linking an earthly campaign to our heavenly focus. All I am trying to do is illustrate how we need to keep the Main Thing…the Main Thing. Our Christian life, our victory in life, our eternal salvation, everything we have been given from the heart and throne of God is a gift of GRACE! So, in the same vein, and with the same emphasis, I say to myself,

IT’S GRACE, STUPID!

Moses reminds the Children of Israel that they were not entering God’s promises because they had earned them or were better than anyone else. If you keep reading, Moses reminds them of all the ways they had failed God along the journey. In fact, their stubbornness and sin resulted in their wandering in the wilderness for 40 years until an entire generation had passed away.

No! It was not their merit. It was not their achievement. It was not their military might that placed them at the threshold of God’s promises. IT WAS GRACE!

God had made a Covenant Promise to Abraham, by grace, and through faith! Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness. God gave His promise to Abraham, and to Abraham’s seed, out of His GREAT GRACE!

This grace was not limited to Abraham and to his seed, but it was also extended to all who would call upon the Name of the Lord! We see this in Moses’ instruction and also in Paul’s epistle to the Romans.

“For the Lord your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, the mighty and awesome God, who shows no partiality and cannot be bribed. He ensures that orphans and widows receive justice. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing.” (Deuteronomy 10:17-18 NLT)

“So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe…And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.” (Romans 4: 16, 23-24 NLT)

IT’S GRACE, STUPID!

And what a wonderful assurance this is. It was GRACE to Abraham. It was GRACE to the Children of Israel. It was GRACE to the widows and orphans. It was GRACE to the foreigners, to the Gentiles. It is GRACE to you and me! We stand as sons and daughters of God fully and completely –

BY GRACE ALONE!

While no one likes to be called stupid, I must admit that when I begin to take credit for anything the Lord has done in my life, I am acting stupid. My salvation and every miracle that God does in my life is a work of His GREAT GRACE! This truth humbles me. It causes me to fall down and worship. It keeps my perspective heavenward. And…It gives all the glory to JESUS CHRIST, my Lord!

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your GREAT GRACE! Thank you for loving me so much that You sent Your Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, my Lord, to die for my sins. Thank You, Jesus, that You rose victoriously from the dead and from the right hand of the Father, You poured out the Holy Spirit into my heart. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for Your continued care, for the blessings You bring each day, and for reminding me that from start to finish…

IT’S GOD’S GRACE!

IT IS TRULY…AMAZING GRACE!

In Jesus’ Name!

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THE PROMISE OF THE KINGDOM (A Communion Meditation)

Posted on March 15, 2026 by Kirk's Devotional Journal

ACTS 1:6-8: “Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, ‘Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” NKJV

OBSERVATION: Since the final moment of Jesus’ life, there has been a divine tension between the promise of the Kingdom and the fulfillment of this promise. The disciples were focused on the Kingdom, but Jesus turned their attention to the Harvest.

“And He said to them, It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:7-8 NKJV)

We are instructed to pray for the Kingdom, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Yet, we are also called to engage in the Harvest! While our eternal hope lies heavenward, our earthly call lies in the hearts and souls of men, women, and children.

There is a coming Kingdom when all the promises of God, purchased on the Cross of Jesus Christ, will be fulfilled. There will be a New Heaven and a New Earth. God will wipe away every tear. Sin and sickness will be no more. Even the corruption that has affected God’s earthly creation will be done away with.

So what does communion have to do with all of this? It is the focus of our prayer for the Kingdom. It is the call to be engaged in the Harvest. It is the reminder of the fullness of Christ’s provision. It is the declaration that what He has promised will FULLY come to pass.

While we hear of wars and rumors of wars, while we see the effects of sin ravaging our world, while we experience tribulation in this life, the Cross of Jesus Christ, the bread (His body), and the cup (His blood), proclaim that God’s Kingdom is and will come. We may not see the fullness of the Kingdom at the moment.

BUT WE SEE JESUS!

We see Him in the BREAD as our Burden Bearer, our Healer, our Compassionate High Priest.

We see Him in the CUP as our Savior, Redeemer, Baptizer in the Holy Spirit, and soon coming King.

There is nothing that is not addressed and completed in the Cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And, while we do not see all things regarding the Kingdom of God yet completely fulfilled,

We do SEE JESUS!

“You have put all things in subjection under his feet.” For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.” (Hebrews 2:8-9 NKJV)

So, as we prepare to take communion today, we do so to remind ourselves…

  • Of the PROMISE of the Kingdom.
  • Of our CALL to be engaged in the HARVEST.
  • Of the SURETY of His coming.
  • Of the COMPLETION of all He has promised.

“For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26)

Jesus, today, we proclaim Your COMPLETE VICTORY through the Cross!

In Jesus’ Name!

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