LifeLink Devotions for Friday, February 14, 2025

It’s Valentine’s Day, and our hearts are longing to express our love to someone and have them express love back to us. But what should love look like? According to Scripture, love starts with God sending His own Son to meet our need of redemption from sin. The principles of Christ’s love for us are to be the non-negotiable principles of our love that are to be fulfilled in marriage through the husband.

Sacrificial Love: Jesus demonstrated His love for the church through His ultimate sacrifice, giving His life on the cross for the salvation of humanity. Similarly, a husband’s love should be selfless and sacrificial, putting his wife’s needs and well-being above his own. This means being willing to make sacrifices, both big and small, to support and care for her.

Unconditional Love: Jesus’ love for the church is unconditional and unwavering, regardless of the church’s flaws and shortcomings. A husband’s love should also be steadfast and enduring, loving his wife through all circumstances and challenges, just as Christ loves His church without condition.

Nurturing Love: Jesus nurtures and cares for the church, helping it grow and flourish spiritually. In the same way, a husband should support his wife’s growth and well-being, encouraging her in her pursuits, dreams, and spiritual journey. This includes providing emotional, spiritual, and practical support.

Protective Love: Jesus is the protector of the church, guarding it against spiritual harm and guiding it with wisdom and love. A husband should also be a protector for his wife, safeguarding her physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This involves being attentive, considerate, and proactive in addressing any challenges or threats that may arise.

Forgiving Love: Jesus extends grace and forgiveness to the church, even when it falls short. A husband’s love should be characterized by grace and forgiveness, being willing to reconcile and move forward together after disagreements or mistakes.

Commitment: Jesus’ commitment to the church is eternal and unbreakable. A husband’s love should mirror this level of commitment, being faithful and dedicated to his wife through all seasons of life. This involves prioritizing the relationship and working together to overcome any obstacles.

By embodying these principles, a husband reflects the love of Jesus Christ for each of us, and glorifies God. In this way both lovers, husband and wife, can know what real love is.

Pastor John

LifeLink Devotions for Thursday, February 13, 2025

I can honestly say that I have never been lazy. At least not that I can remember. But according to my grandkids, who can trust the memory of someone so old.

Yet while I may not have had a tendency towards laziness, I was subject to procrastination. I know, it sounds like a justification for laziness but let me explain. I have ADHD, so I am easily distracted by something else to do, and the appeal of the new overwhelms the desire to complete what is currently in front of me. Procrastination. I remained busy, so I wasn’t lazy, but important things were set aside for the excitement of new things to do.

I think both laziness and my new name for laziness are a problem. King Solomon, in all of God’s wisdom, says this in Proverbs 6:6-11. “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.”

After reading that I feel somewhat better about my procrastination, even though I know it reduces my productivity. You see, laziness is a more pervasive lack of motivation to engage in activities, while procrastination is a temporary delay in action, often with the intention to complete the task later. I wasn’t lazy, just distracted by other work.

The wisdom of Solomon in today’s passage deals only with laziness and is worth some soul searching on our part. Are we self-motivated? Can we see what needs to be done and then do it? Do we choose rest over work even though we are well-rested? And finally, and most importantly for me, do we choose less important and less stressful work over what really needs to be done and then justify it with a new name like ADHD or procrastination?

So how can we know if we are lazy or just undisciplined? Here’s a distinction that might help. Laziness carries no guilt with it. There is no concern that the work isn’t getting done. The pleasures of rest or recreation don’t make us feel bad. Procrastination carries guilt, and it becomes heavier until the job is done.

If you are not feeling any guilt over work that needs to be accomplished, then today’s wisdom is for you. Get up and get to it! Like my dad always said when talking to me about a job that needed to be done, and I obviously wanted to do something else – “DO IT NOW!”

So get up, get to it, and get it done. NOW! Reject your sluggard ways and start working to provide for yourself.

Pastor John  

LifeLink Devotions for Wednesday, February 12, 2025

A wise old man named Samuel was known for his unwavering integrity, and people often sought his counsel in times of need.

One day, a young man named Daniel approached Samuel, troubled by the choices he had been making. He had fallen into the habit of spreading rumors and speaking ill of others, and as a result, he found himself entangled in conflicts and mistrust.

“Samuel,” Daniel said, “I don’t know how to find peace. My actions have led me down a path of trouble and unrest. How can I change my ways and find true happiness?”

Samuel nodded thoughtfully and invited Daniel to sit with him beneath a sprawling oak tree. “Daniel, you must keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life,” Samuel began, echoing the wisdom he had learned from the book of Proverbs. “The words you speak and the actions you take come from your heart. You must guard your heart and keep it in tune with God’s wisdom or the rest of your life will be a mess.”

“But how do I do that?” Daniel asked, eager to learn.

“First,” Samuel replied, “put away all the crooked speech and devious talk. Speak only truth and kindness, for your words have the power to build up or tear down. Let your eyes look directly forward at God’s goals for your life. Focus on what is good and true, and do not be swayed by distractions or temptations.”

Samuel continued, “Watch where you are going and where you choose to walk; God has promised to make your path straight. Before you act, consider the consequences and choose the path of righteousness. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.”

Daniel listened intently, taking Samuel’s words to heart. He realized that true happiness and peace could only be found through living a life of obedience to God’s wisdom, and living it with integrity and kindness. From that day forward, he made a conscious effort to guard his heart, speak with honesty, and stay focused on God’s goals.

Over time, Daniel’s reputation began to change. People noticed his sincerity and the genuine kindness in his words. Conflicts diminished, and trust was restored. Daniel found that by following God’s wisdom, he not only brought peace to his own life but also became a source of light and inspiration for others in the village.

Does your life seem out of whack, filled with conflict and uncertainty. Follow the words of God’s wisdom in Proverbs 4:23-27 and your life will be filled with peace and joy.

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.”

Pastor John

LifeLink Devotions for Tuesday, February 11, 2025

God’s wisdom for today is from Proverbs 3:21-26.“My son, keep sound wisdom…Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.”

In the quiet town of Serenity Springs, there lived a young woman named Emily. By day she was a cheerful and diligent teacher, loved by her students and admired by her colleagues. But by night, her mind became a battlefield of worries. She would lie awake in the darkness, her thoughts racing with fears about her future, her family, and the challenges she faced.

One particularly sleepless night, Emily found herself staring at the ceiling, her heart heavy with anxiety. She had tried everything to calm her mind – reading, meditating, even counting sheep – but nothing seemed to work. As the hours ticked by, her despair grew, and tears began to fill her eyes.

In her anguish, Emily remembered a piece of advice her grandmother had once given her: “When you feel lost and overwhelmed, turn to Jesus. He is always there, ready to offer you peace and guidance.”

Desperate for relief, Emily knelt beside her bed and clasped her hands in prayer. “Dear God,” she whispered, her voice trembling, “I feel so burdened by my worries. I’m sorry I have trusted my own wisdom to solve them. I want to trust you alone. Please help me find peace and to completely trust in Your plan for me.”

As she prayed, a sense of calm began to wash over her. She felt a comforting presence, as if a warm, gentle hand was resting on her shoulder. Emily took a deep breath and, for the first time in what felt like forever, she allowed herself to let go of her fears and place her trust in God.

That night, Emily drifted into a deep, restful sleep, her heart filled with a newfound sense of peace. In the days that followed, she continued to turn to God in prayer whenever her worries threatened to overwhelm her. She found solace in the scriptures, drawing strength from passages like Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Emily’s faith grew stronger, and she began to see her challenges in a new light. She realized that she didn’t have to face her worries alone; God was always with her, guiding her and offering her His infinite wisdom. With this newfound trust, Emily’s sleepless nights became a thing of the past, replaced by a deep sense of peace that carried her through even the most difficult moments.

May you also find such peace by trusting Jesus and living according to His wisdom.

Pastor John

LifeLink Devotions for Monday, February 10, 2025

In the beginning, there was nothing but an eternal and  boundless intelligence – God. His wisdom was profound, encompassing all knowledge and understanding.

God pondered deeply, envisioning a magnificent creation that would reflect His boundless love and unparalleled wisdom. With a thought, He created the heavens and the earth that was initially only a vast and formless void, shrouded in darkness.

First, with a few simple words, He created light to banish the darkness, separating the day from the night. With simple yet all-powerful words, He formed the heavens, stretching them out like a vast canvas, dotted with stars that twinkled like diamonds in the night sky. Each star, a testament to His infinite creativity and care, was meticulously placed to serve a purpose in the grand design.

God then turned His attention to the Earth. By the sound of His voice the land was shaped and poured forth rivers and oceans. With another word, He commanded the earth to bring forth plants of every kind – towering trees, vibrant flowers, and bountiful crops, all brimming with beauty and sustenance.

Into this magnificent habitat God crafted living creatures. He created birds to soar through the skies, fish to swim in the waters, and animals to roam the land. Each creature was designed with precision and thought, fitting perfectly into the intricate web of life.

Finally, God fashioned humanity in His own image, bestowing upon them intelligence, free will, and a soul. He placed them in the Garden of Eden, a paradise filled with every kind of tree that was pleasing to the eye and good for food. He gave them the responsibility to care for and nurture the Earth, entrusting them with the wisdom to live harmoniously with all of creation.

God looked upon His creation with deep satisfaction, seeing that it was good. In His boundless wisdom, He had woven together the threads of existence into a masterpiece of beauty, balance, and harmony. The world was a testament to His eternal love, a reflection of His divine wisdom, and a gift to all who would come to dwell within it.

According to Proverbs 3:19-20, by God’s wisdom everything was created. “The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew.”

The same eternal wisdom and understanding that created and sustain everything in existence is available to guide and sustain our lives. Solomon says, “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.” Not just houses, but lives. Not our wisdom, but God’s. The Apostle Paul says,” And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.”  The wisdom for which you search will not come from the world or from within yourself unless the Holy Spirit of God resides in you to speak His wisdom to you.

How is that possible? It’s really quite simple. Turn away from pursuing self and turn to Christ Jesus. Renounce your sinful ways and confess that Jesus is Lord and you will be forgiven for all your sin. Jesus will personally come and live in you in the Person of the Holy Spirit, and He will make you wise.

Pastor John

LifeLink Devotions for Friday, February 7, 2025

In a cozy, sun-drenched house on the outskirts of a small town, there lived a loving father named David and his spirited seven-year-old son, Ethan. David, a gentle soul with an easy smile, cherished Ethan more than anything in the world. They spent their days exploring the woods, building forts, and sharing stories beneath the starlit sky.

One sunny afternoon, Ethan was playing outside when he found a packet of matches in the shed. Curiosity got the best of him, and he started striking matches, fascinated by the flickering flames. Unfortunately, his adventure took a dangerous turn when one of the matches ignited a pile of dry leaves, causing a small fire to spread rapidly.

Dad, who had been tending to the garden nearby, noticed the smoke and rushed to the scene. His heart pounded with fear, but he quickly grabbed a hose and doused the flames before they could cause any serious damage. Once the fire was out, he turned to Ethan, who stood there with wide, tear-filled eyes.

“Ethan,” his father said gently, kneeling down to his son’s level, “playing with matches is very dangerous. You could have gotten hurt, or worse, started a bigger fire that could have hurt others.”

Ethan nodded, sniffling. “I’m sorry, Dad. I didn’t mean to.”

David took a deep breath, his love for Ethan mingling with the need to teach him an important lesson. “I know you didn’t, buddy. But you need to understand the consequences of your actions. As a result, you’re not allowed to play outside for the next week, and we’ll have a talk every evening about fire safety.”

Ethan’s lower lip trembled, but he knew his father was right. “Okay, Dad,” he whispered.

Throughout the following week, dad kept his promise. Each evening, they sat together and talked about the dangers of fire, how to stay safe, and the importance of making responsible choices. Despite the discipline, their bond grew stronger as Ethan realized his father’s actions came from a place of love and concern.

By the end of the week, Ethan had learned a valuable lesson. He understood the importance of being cautious and respectful of potential dangers. And David, as a loving father, knew that sometimes, the best way to show love was through gentle guidance and firm discipline.

A simple story that brings out the wisdom of Proverbs 3:11-12. “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.”

Our heavenly Father loves us so much that He invests in our lives through gentle guidance and firm discipline. It’s possible that we don’t recognize the discipline when it is happening because we see it only as pain and suffering, but it is the expression of God’s Fatherly love for us. When things go wrong in our life, we have a choice to either blame God for keeping us from what we want or to thank God for how He is helping us grow. Choose wisely to embrace the Father’s discipline and learn His wisdom.

Pastor John

LifeLink Devotions for Thursday, February 6, 2025

Twice I have been in court, both times as a witness. Once to testify against a criminal, and once to testify on behalf of an innocent person. Both times I sat under the authority of a judge. I addressed him as “Your Honor.”

There are several things that make someone worthy of honor. The position they hold is honorable and they honorably represent the position they hold. A judge is honorable because they represent the authority of the law, and their position demands they uphold the law with integrity.

Honoring someone entails a variety of responses from us. We honor them by listening to them. We obey their authority. We may even pay them homage by praising them or declaring their greatness. And sometimes we pay them monetary tribute.

It’s this last one that is least likely to happen, especially in our honor of God. We listen to Him and obey His authority. We praise Him and declare His greatness. But how often do we honor him with our wealth.

Proverbs 3:9-10 “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”

Within the book of Proverbs there are over 100 verses dealing with the subject of wealth. Jesus Himself addressed wealth when He said, “You cannot love God and money.” The subject of how we use our earthly resources is important.

In Proverbs 3:9 we are told that giving the best of our resources to God is what honors Him.  That raises some interesting questions.

If I don’t put Christ first in my financial decisions am I dishonoring God? Seems logical.

When I use my resources for me first am I honoring myself over God? Also logical.

When I don’t give my best resources to Christ am I really hurting myself? YES.

The promise of Proverbs 3:10 is that the blessings of security and abundance are only available to those who honor God with their wealth and the best of everything they have or receive.

Please don’t think that I am giving you a formula to be rich. The abundance of wealth can also be a curse when the Spirit of Christ is not giving us contentment and joy with whatever we receive. But God’s economy is this – He will honor those who honor Him. Jesus said, “give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38)

How are you measuring out what you give to the Lord? Is it a cup of convenience, or a barrel of blessing? Does it honor you or God?

It’s time to start honoring God with everything He has given you, for nothing you have comes from you but from His grace.

Pastor John

LifeLink Devotions for Wednesday, February 5, 2025

What is the difference between a way and a path? Both words are used in Proverbs 3:6. We are told to acknowledge God in all our ways and then He will make our paths straight.

Very simply, a path is the place we walk, and our way is how we walk on the path.

Picture this. Two people walking side by side on the same smooth path surrounded on either side by thorn bushes. One walks consistently on the path and never deviates to the left or right. The other cannot seem to stay straight and wobbles from side to side being scratched by the thorns and even falls into them on occasion. The one who walks straight has remained sober-minded and focused on the goal ahead. The other has become drunk with the things of the world and has lost the ability to stand up straight.

This image depicts the lives of many Christians. God’s promise to us is this: when we trust Him completely, refuse to lean on our limited understanding of things, and let our relationship with Him take priority over all else, He will keep us on a straight path and keep us straight.

Unfortunately, many people are caught up in the thorns on the side of the path. At first they don’t look like thorns. The bushes are covered with sweet-smelling flowers. We intended to only pick a few to carry with us, but when we touched them we became addicted to their beauty and wanted more.

So enticing is their beauty that we overlook a few scratches. We are willing to shed a little blood to get the enjoyment the bushes offer, and soon we don’t even realize that we are no longer on the path. We are tangled in the thorns and don’t know how to get out.

We didn’t trust the One who put us on the path.

We turned to our own understanding of life and our own solutions to its problems.

We acknowledged that there was something more we desired.

So we turn to look at the path and see someone still walking on it with a joyful smile on their face. We cry out for help. The person stops. We ask them how we can get back on the path. Their answer is simple.

Start trusting God completely.

Ask for His wisdom and stop depending on your own.

Let your relationship with Jesus by the highest priority of how you live your life.

We agree, and suddenly we are standing next to the person on a straight path, and we can see the goal of glory ahead.

Today can be your day to get back on the path. And if you are already on it, today may be the day you help someone else walk with you.

Pastor John

LifeLink Devotions for Tuesday, February 4, 2025

When I got married almost 49 years ago, I gave my bride a ring, and she gave one to me. It was to be an acknowledgment of our lifelong love for each other and a testimony to others that we were in a committed relationship that didn’t allow for any distractions. But the ring itself does not acknowledge who my wife is, it simply bears witness to others that I have one. It is up to me to acknowledge who she is and introduce her to people.

What would you think of a man or woman who wears their wedding ring some of the time but takes it off in other situations? You would doubt that person’s commitment, right?

That’s the point I want us to see from Proverbs 3:6. “In all your ways acknowledge Him…”

Consider the similarity between wearing a wedding ring and wearing a cross. Both are supposed to signify a committed relationship. But does the wearer always represent the relationship in every part of their life? What do you think is the commitment level of a man wearing a wedding ring while sitting in a bar flirting with other women? How dedicated to the relationship is a woman wearing a wedding ring while she dreams of the life she could have in the romance novel she is reading? And how committed to Jesus Christ is the person who says they have taken up the cross of Christ yet dabbles in the addiction to self-gratification from the world?

The wisdom of God encourages us to acknowledge our relationship with Him in every aspect of our lives, and to reveal Him to others by our lifestyle choices. We may go to church, read our Bible, and even wear a cross, but those things only reveal that we are in a relationship. To acknowledge God means to reveal Him to others.

In my early days of marriage, I didn’t do that very well. When I entered a room my type A personality took over and I stood out in front of my wife to relate to people. She was there, but I did not acknowledge her. It was shameful.

Is that how you treat Jesus? Do your desires and preferences take priority over acknowledging Christ in every aspect of your life? Start changing that today. Don’t be satisfied to just know in your heart that you belong to Jesus. Let it show to everyone else.

Pastor John

LifeLink Devotions for Monday, February 3, 2025

As I age I find myself leaning on things more often. When I stand for an extended length of time I move towards walls or counters or chairs that can provide support. It’s not like I need a lot of support, but a little feels more comfortable for these old spindly legs. Having something to lean on adds to my endurance. It’s really hard to physically lean on myself. I usually fall over when I try.

The same thing happens when I try to lean on my own understanding of things. My perspective of things is short-sighted so I can’t see the big picture. My knowledge is limited to the realm of my experiences, so my list of possible solutions is short. If the outcome of any circumstance is dependent on only what I see and know, then I will experience lots of failure.

Not so if I choose not to lean on me. The second piece of wisdom found in Proverbs three verse five is this – “lean not on your own understanding.” In other words, “It doesn’t have to make sense to me.”

That is so hard. I want everything to make sense. I have always questioned how everything works because I want to understand it. Early on in my life it became an expression of my pride. If I could understand it and explain it, then I stood approved in my own eyes. But God has replaced that pride with a healthy desire to know more. What makes that desire healthy is that it’s not for my benefit, but for His service. And when He doesn’t reveal the understanding to me He’s building my trust in Him.

Being a Pastor takes a lot of understanding, and a constant recognition that I will never understand enough to do it on my own. In fact, even what I do know is insufficient to claim even a little success. I must lean on God’s understanding and trust Him to guide every decision and provide the wisdom necessary for every situation. Trust in Him and less leaning on me are inseparable.

Let’s go back to the story of my move into full-time ministry. I had been pastoring a small church part-time for about seven years when we moved, and we had even gone through a building program. But this new church had different challenges, and God had a different vision for its impact on the community. I could not lean on my own understanding. God gave me His vision for a youth ministry in the town that would require great faith to implement. I had no experience with the ministry, so outside resources were brought in to increase our understanding. We had to lean on them to make it work. And work it did. We started with thirteen children from our church and grew to over forty in the first two weeks. Within three months we were over one hundred and had to find a new space to hold the ministry.

When the idea was first introduced to the congregation of 35 people, it was overwhelming. But we knew God was doing it so we didn’t lean on our own understanding, but chose to trust Him. To this day I still get calls from children who were in that ministry and they thank me for what it did in their lives.

Your understanding will only get you so far as you can go by yourself. But when we lean on God and His infinite understanding, the possibilities are endless.

Pastor John